Employment falls as companies respond to Labour's NICs rise
The Guardian|December 17, 2024
UK businesses are cutting staff numbers at the fastest rate since the global financial crisis, according to a closely watched business survey that blames the government's tax-raising budget.
Richard Partington Heather Stewart
Employment falls as companies respond to Labour's NICs rise

The latest snapshot from the purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey, which is monitored by the Treasury and the Bank of England, showed employment levels fell in December at the fastest rate since 2009, excluding the period during the coronavirus pandemic.

The survey of 650 manufacturers and 650 service sector companies showed a combination of softer demand, rising employment costs and squeezed profit margins led to a reduction in private sector headcount.

"Economic growth momentum has been lost since the robust expansion seen earlier in the year, as businesses and households have responded negatively to the new Labour government's downbeat rhetoric and policies," said Chris Williamson, the chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiles the PMI survey.

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The Guardian

Real Madrid take aim at Uefa in bid to revive Super League

Real Madrid have spelled out their commitment to a restructuring of the Champions League in which the clubs not Uefa are in control - essentially a European Super League 2.0.

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3 mins  |
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United's big reset
The Guardian

United's big reset

Rashford faces cut-price exit as part of club's cultural reboot

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England get horror draw with France, Netherlands and Wales
The Guardian

England get horror draw with France, Netherlands and Wales

England, the holders, have been drawn in a group with France, the Netherlands and their neighbours Wales for the 2025 Women's European Championship in Switzerland.

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2 mins  |
December 17, 2024
The Guardian

Maguire in 'really positive' contract talks with United

Harry Maguire is discussing a new contract with Manchester United that would commit him to at least a seventh and eighth season at the club.

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1 min  |
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Unal's fabulous free-kick earns Bournemouth a point
The Guardian

Unal's fabulous free-kick earns Bournemouth a point

Bournemouth simply do not know when they are beaten. The substitute Enes Unal powered an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner, seconds after West Ham snatched an unlikely lead courtesy of a contentious penalty.

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3 mins  |
December 17, 2024
'I'm at a turning point - now it's about me playing to see how far I can go'
The Guardian

'I'm at a turning point - now it's about me playing to see how far I can go'

Emma Raducanu was hit by injuries but now feels she has the setup to be able to enjoy life both on and off the court

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5 mins  |
December 17, 2024
Filer brings the thunder after lightning halts Proteas
The Guardian

Filer brings the thunder after lightning halts Proteas

England will go into day three of the Bloemfontein Test in a commanding position, after bowling South Africa out for 281 and increasing their lead to 145 by stumps.

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2 mins  |
December 17, 2024
Stokes' latest injury scare adds to England's bad day
The Guardian

Stokes' latest injury scare adds to England's bad day

On a day in Hamilton that was already foreboding by way of leaden skies, England's troubles deepened well beyond their bleak position at stumps.

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4 mins  |
December 17, 2024
Fury vows to focus on Usyk and cut back showboating
The Guardian

Fury vows to focus on Usyk and cut back showboating

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2 mins  |
December 17, 2024
The Guardian

Athletics has funding cut by £1.75m for LA Games buildup

UK Sport has denied putting UK Athletics on the \"naughty step\" after slashing its funding for the Los Angeles Olympic cycle by nearly £1.75m.

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1 min  |
December 17, 2024