Dozens of Groups Push FEMA to Recognize Extreme Heat as a ‘Major Disaster’

In the Unlock the Editor’s Digest, Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, highlights Rachel Reeves’ increase in business taxes impacting the UK economy as companies reduce hiring, leading to a drop in private sector employment in December. The S&P Global flash UK purchasing managers’ employment index fell to 45.8, reflecting a lack of stable headcount due to corporate confidence being affected by Reeves' £25bn rise in employers’ national insurance contributions. Business groups express concerns about...

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own, highlighting the challenges companies face in sustaining growth while supporting employees amidst concerns over burnout and mental health. The need for evolving workplace culture is emphasized, with a focus on adapting benefits and policies to align with changing employee priorities. Key lessons include the importance of evolving culture, knowing when to evolve or change, seeking diverse perspectives, anchoring change in core values, and consistently reinforcing company values...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reportedly delayed the government's pension review, impacting auto-enrolment and savers. Labour's manifesto pledge for a pensions review has been postponed indefinitely, sparking concerns about retirement adequacy and savings. The Treasury's decision to delay addressing pension challenges could lead to future financial insecurity for millions of Brits, as experts warn of potential consequences for pension taxation and savings incentives. Full Article

UK companies are cutting employee numbers at the fastest rate since the pandemic, with private sector employment falling in December due to tax increases and new regulations. Manufacturers' confidence in the economy also dropped sharply in the final quarter, leading to concerns about hiring and price increases. The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates on hold as they monitor the impact of higher taxes on businesses and the overall economic outlook. Full...

The UK government has approved Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský's £5.3bn takeover of Royal Mail, with a "golden share" retained by the government for governance. Křetínský's EP Group will uphold commitments including maintaining UK operations and meeting delivery obligations. This decision comes after Royal Mail was fined £10.5mn for failing to meet performance targets, highlighting the challenges faced by Křetínský in modernizing the postal service. Full Article

CryptoQuant, a blockchain analytics firm, predicts that ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency after bitcoin, could surpass $5,000 next year if its current demand-and-supply dynamics persist. Despite lagging behind bitcoin, ether's potential for a record high demonstrates its growing popularity and value in the market. This projection highlights the increasing interest and investment in ether as a viable digital asset. Full Article