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Showing posts from December, 2025

Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates

Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass

The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores.

Octopus Energy to spin off $8.65bn tech arm Kraken

The energy firm sells a $1bn stake in its technology arm Kraken, paving the way for its demerger.

A decade on from Wales' nuclear turbines falling silent

Locals say job losses, stagnant investment and a recovering economy have defined the past decade.

Swedish workers trial 'friendship hour' to combat loneliness

The pilot project is even giving staff free money to help pay to do activities with their friends.

China to crack down on AI firms to protect kids

The draft regulations are aimed to address concerns around chatbots, which have surged in popularity in recent months.

Oldest Post Office scandal victim made OBE

Betty Brown says she is accepting the honour on behalf of all the victims of the scandal.

Beyoncé declared a billionaire by Forbes

The star joins Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen and her husband Jay-Z with 10-figure fortunes.

Boss of Everyman cinema chain departs weeks after profit warning

The upmarket cinema chain faces a leadership shake-up weeks after it cut its revenue forecasts.

Pothole claims up 90% in three years, says RAC

Research from the motoring group also finds that only one in four claims results in a payout.

James Bond game 007 First Light delayed to May 2026

Dexter Original Sin actor Patrick Gibson will star as the British spy when the game releases on 27 May.

HS2 goal to be running by 2033 'cannot be met'

HS2 CEO Mark Wild advises the government that the 2029/2033 opening schedule is not achievable.

Earliest coin minted in Scotland saved for the nation after 900 years

The medieval David I silver coin, discovered in a wooded area in Midlothian, has been dated to the second half of the 1130s.

Why are young people leaving to work abroad?

Three young Britons explain why they are building their futures overseas.

Many new UK drone users must take theory test before flying outside

The Civil Aviation Authority reckons up to half a million people in the UK may be impacted by its new requirements.

Late shopper rush drives Boxing Day sales traffic

Figures suggest the surge in post-Christmas shoppers was the strongest in a decade.

Will 'guest beer' rules support small Scottish breweries ?

New rules mean that tenant pubs owned by bigger breweries can now sell a guest beer made by a small independent producer.

'Families can save £200 a month at community shop'

Customers say the social supermarket in North Bransholme is taking the pressure off the weekly shop.

Treasury to cover Bayeux Tapestry for estimated £800m

The huge embroidery will be covered under the government's indemnity scheme when it travels to the UK.

Don't rule out EU customs union, TUC boss tells Starmer

Trade unionist Paul Nowak says he wants to see the "closest possible" economic relationship with the EU.

Is texting behind the wheel of a self-driving Tesla crazy?

Elon Musk says Tesla's automated software will allow its passengers to text in certain conditions.

US judge blocks detention of British social media campaigner

Imran Ahmed was among five people accused of seeking to "coerce" US firms into censoring free speech.

How to get rid of unwanted Christmas presents - without being found out

How to regift without getting caught and other options for dealing with unwanted presents.

Christmas spirit offered 'right through the year'

Grace Trust says it offers the Christmas spirit all year to people on Jersey who are struggling.

The showers and baths keeping data centre tech cool

Finding greener ways to keep giant new data centres cool is a challenge.

Why Croatia's capital wants to hold Europe's best Christmas market

The festive events help to put cities on the map and attract millions of tourists.

Americast

The president makes a primetime address to the nation.

What does TikTok's deal mean for America's users?

The BBC's Asia business correspondent says it is still unclear what sort of experience TikTok users in the US will get.

Will tech trump tradition at bakers and biscuit makers?

Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles.

Who are the winners and losers of the interest rate cut?

The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 4% to 3.75% - the lowest level since February 2023.

Should more be done to tackle 'ghost jobs', vacancies that don't exist?

Companies are advertising vacancies that have already been filled or might not have ever existed.

Should more be done to tackle 'ghost jobs', vacancies that don't exist?

Companies are advertising vacancies that have already been filled or might not have ever existed.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

Lower clothing and food prices help inflation fall by more than expected

The 3.2% November figure is down on the 3.6% recorded in the year to October.

Weight-loss jab ads banned for exploiting body insecurities

Three social media adverts are found to be irresponsible, with one targeting new mums.

Paddy Power Betfair to pay £2m over problem gambling failings

The Gambling Commission said Paddy Power Betfair did not act quickly enough when customers appeared to be engaged in harmful gambling

How many homes could be heated by cow poo?

Some dairy farmers say Dairy cow manure is "nature's crude oil".

Ben & Jerry's row deepens as three board members removed

One co-founder called it a "blatant power grab" designed to strip the board of its independence.

Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world

Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.

Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world

Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.

Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world

Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.

Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world

Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.

Meet the biggest heat pumps in the world

Across Europe huge heat pumps are being installed that can heat tens of thousands of homes.

UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in technology

It comes after the government was urged to help close the UK tech sector's gender gap in order to meet its ambitious AI goals.

UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in technology

It comes after the government was urged to help close the UK tech sector's gender gap in order to meet its ambitious AI goals.

Airbnb fined £56m by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties

The government has been cracking down on the rentals firm as neighbourhoods protest against holiday lets.

Can I just check - are my emails holding me back at work?!

What impact is our email etiquette having on how we are perceived and even promoted at work?

Market town's food bank demand triples

The charity is appealing for more donations, as it often has to purchase food itself.

Ofcom investigates BT and Three for failing to connect 999 calls

The companies have been fined in the past over outages leaving customers unable to call emergency services.

Grand Theft Auto game creator sacked us for trying to unionise

Former staff at the Grand Theft Auto creator are seeking an employment tribunal over alleged "union-busting".

Roomba vacuum cleaner firm files for bankruptcy

Under the so-called pre-packaged Chapter 11 process, the main maker of its devices will take ownership of the firm.

'Throw the parcel at the door' - Evri couriers cutting corners to earn a better wage

BBC Panorama investigates the delivery firm - a market leader with the worst reputation for non-deliveries.

Spain's commitment to renewable energy may be in doubt

The current government is politically weakened and the opposition wants more use of fossil fuels.

Brixton Soup Kitchen prepares for busy Christmas

Volunteers are preparing hampers and toys for local children who would otherwise go without.

Christmas gifts wrapped and sent out for children

More than 100 volunteers gathered to wrap thousands of presents for children across the capital.

Why your chocolate is getting smaller, more expensive and less chocolatey

Christmas treats are getting eaten away by 'shrinkflation' and the Grinch even has an eye on the cocoa content.

Why your chocolate is getting smaller, more expensive and less chocolatey

Christmas treats are getting eaten away by 'shrinkflation' and the Grinch even has an eye on the cocoa content.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

EU backs indefinite freeze on Russia's frozen cash ahead of loan plan for Ukraine

After almost four years of Russia's full-scale war, Kyiv is running out of cash, and needs an estimated €135.7bn over the next two years.

Crafters warn of imported 'tat' at festive fairs

Some stallholders and event organisers are angry about cheap goods being sold as 'handmade' items.

UK economy shrank unexpectedly by 0.1% in October

The impact of the JLR cyber-attack continued to affect output, while analysts say spending was hit by Budget uncertainty.

Nationwide fined £44m for 'ineffective' crime controls

The building society failed to monitor its customers' activity effectively between 2016 and 2021, the regulator says.

Lululemon boss to step down early next year

Calvin McDonald's decision to leave at the end of January comes amid a run of poor sales for the firm in the US.

Inquiry into role of Budget watchdog launched by MPs

It comes after intense scrutiny of the Office for Budget Responsibility in the run-up to the Budget.

Inquiry into role of Budget watchdog launched by MPs

It comes after intense scrutiny of the Office for Budget Responsibility in the run-up to the Budget.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

'It's amazing' – the wonder material very few can make

Just a handful of companies can make cadmium zinc telluride, a material with powerful properties.

Ex-Abercrombie & Fitch CEO fit to stand trial, prison officials say

Mike Jeffries, who was ruled "mentally incompetent" by a court, is now competent to stand trial, medical experts declare after a forensic evaluation.

Shares in AI giant Oracle fall after revenue results ramp up bubble fears

The cloud computing giant's revenue miss renews questions about its financial health.

Workers' rights bill standoff continues after Lords defeat

It comes after ministers struck a deal between businesses and unions aimed at allowing the bill to progress.

Jamie Oliver on the return of his restaurant chain

Speaking to Amol Rajan on the BBC's Radical podcast, chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver reveals all about his experiences of failure and learning from it.

UK pharma boss says US is the best country to invest in

In an interview with the BBC, Dame Emma Walmsley says she will not "shy away" from GSK's US expansion.

Banks to tell you where you might invest your money

Targeted support will allow banks and financial firms to make suggestions on how to handle savings.

Fed lowers interest rates but future cuts uncertain

The US central bank lowered interest rates for the third time this year, but the outlook for further cuts remains murky.

Mexico approves up to 50% tariffs on China and other countries

The levies are set to take effect on 1 January and will apply to goods like cars, clothing and appliances.

Trump launches $1m 'gold card' immigration visas

The special visas will be awarded to those who can show they can make a "substantial benefit" to the US.

The Swiss city that lets you pay for most things with bitcoin

Shops, restaurants and even the local council in Lugano now accept the cryptocurrency.

Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband can't be called chocolate any more

Nestle has used more vegetable oil in it recipes, meaning the treats no longer qualify as chocolate under UK law

Too many unauthorised pre-Budget leaks, says Reeves

The chancellor tells MPs many of the stories leaked to the media were inaccurate and "very damaging".

Trump vows to make US affordable again, as Americans feel the pinch

The president says he is focused on "making America affordable again", as cost of living becomes a campaign issue.

Budget could knock half a percentage point off inflation, Bank chief says

Bank of England deputy governor Clare Lombardelli said inflation would be brought down by measures cutting energy prices and freezing rail fares.

What are freeze-dried sweets and why are they popular?

Big confectionery makers are rolling out freeze-dried sweets after they become an online sensation.

AI tools transform Christmas gifting as shoppers turn to chatbots

Shopper are increasingly using chatbots for their hard-to-buy-for family and friends, with implications for bargain hunters and businesses.

'Second home' pub opens as a warm space

The Newport pub opens as a warm space after customers say it's cheaper to be there than heat a home.

'Living off grid is not a dream, it's a nightmare'

Off-grid households say they would love a mains connection, but the price is just too high.

Drop in cream sales at dairy as shoppers cut back

Guernsey Dairy's production manager credits the fall to people buying cheaper alternatives

Japan is facing a dementia crisis – can technology help?

Elderly people aged 65 and over now make up nearly 30% of Japan's population.

Can Japan get more female business leaders?

The country lags behind when it comes to women in leadership positions.

Reverse advent calendar call-out from foodbank

Every day up until Christmas, the Redcar foodbank is asking the community to donate a specific item.

Sold 30 items on Vinted? Don't panic if you get a message about tax

Here's what you need to know about tax rules if you're selling items online.

Warm Welcome hubs an 'important' helping hand

Dozens of venues are offering free drop-ins for anyone struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

Martin Lewis on what people misunderstand about credit scores

Martin Lewis explains the things people misunderstand about credit scores.

What are freeze-dried sweets and why are they popular?

Big confectionery makers are rolling out freeze-dried sweets after they become an online sensation.

Meta shifts some metaverse investments to AI smart glasses

The company has struggled to convince investors of the viability of the metaverse, a nascent technology.

Details of plan to keep pubs open longer for World Cup revealed

Licensing hours could be extended to 01:00 if a home nation reaches the final stages next summer.

Turkey breeder supplying luxury stores investigated over welfare

Farm workers are suspended over animal welfare and biosecurity concerns at a turkey breeding site.

We would sell books by AI, says Waterstones boss

James Daunt says booksellers instinctively have "disdain" for AI but it could be sold if clearly labelled.

My husband would still be alive if he'd got Post Office compensation

The widow and daughter of Jonathan Armstrong tell the BBC about the toll the Horizon scandal took on his health.

Six-month unfair dismissal right to begin from 2027

Labour ministers will commit to the start date next week after previously watering down the new protection.

Pensioners see energy bills 'quadruple overnight'

Residents in two tower blocks see a huge rise in their energy bills that were previously subsidised.

Energy grid investment of £28bn to push up household bills

Ofgem says the investment will help lower reliance on imported gas and make wholesale energy cheaper.

Liverpool Street named UK's busiest station again

Some 98 million passengers entered and exited the station until the end of March, the regulator says.

Construction sector shrinks at fastest pace since pandemic, survey suggests

Some analysts said the score was a mere fluctuation in the run-up to the Budget.

Porn site fined £1m over age checks has never responded to Ofcom

The regulator tells the BBC it has been emailing AVS Group Ltd without reply since July.

Investigation into pre-Budget leaks is under way, MPs told

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given her "full support" to a review of security processes around the lead-up to the Budget.

Russia bans Roblox over concerns about safety and extremist content

Its media agency flagged content linked to terrorism and LGBT issues, which are deemed extremist.

Court sides with Adidas in appeal over Kanye West collaboration

Investors had accused Adidas of misleading them as its relationship with the rapper showed cracks.

How family firms can best plan for succession

The Murdochs had a much-reported inheritance battle, but smoother transitions are possible.

A speeding driver killed my parents - there needs to be a cultural change

Claire Corkery wants attitudes to change on road safety after her parents were killed by a speeding driver.

Trump administration to roll back fuel economy rules set under Biden

Carmakers hailed the change as a victory for "common sense", while environmental groups criticised the plan.

People admit to 'secret spending' without telling partners

People were spending without telling their partners on beauty products, gambling, and cryptocurrencies.

Supermarket loyalty discounts to be allowed on baby formula

The government claims that parents who cannot or chose not to breastfeed could save £500 a year.

Nike, Superdry and Lacoste ads banned over misleading green claims

The advertising watchdog said the retailers misled shoppers with their 'sustainability' claims.

Water bill rises push troubled Thames back into profit

As it stands, Thames Water has sufficient cash to make it to the first quarter of next year.

'Carspreading' is on the rise - and not everyone is happy about it

In the UK and across Europe, cars are becoming longer, wider and heavier.

Gary Lineker takes football podcast to Netflix

The Rest is Football will stream on Netflix during next summer's World Cup as part of a new deal.

Italian fashion giant Prada buys Versace – at a discount

The $1.38bn (£1.04bn) deal between the two Italian fashion giants is well below the roughly $2bn Versace was sold for in 2018.

Tax rises and tighter spending to hold back UK growth, OECD says

Growth in the UK economy is expected to slow next year, an influential global policy group predicts.

Fashion house Valentino criticised over 'disturbing' AI handbag ads

Social media users have called the luxury Italian fashion brand's artificial intelligence-made adverts "cheap" and "lazy".

OBR head's resignation leaves potential landmines for Reeves

Chancellor's next mission to find a respected and credible economist to run the OBR will require careful balance

Why time is running out for Germany's green hydrogen industry

Firms are ready to make the equipment needed for green hydrogen, but demand has not picked up yet.

OBR head resigns over Budget day publishing error

The government's official forecaster inadvertently published a crucial Budget document early.