UK economy: what's happening now and what it means for you

The UK economy is juggling high inflation, slow growth and a costly energy transition — and that affects wages, bills and jobs. On this tag page we gather all latest news, clear explainers and practical tips so you can follow policy shifts, company moves and market changes without jargon.

Expect fast updates on inflation data, Bank of England decisions, unemployment reports and big corporate headlines. We also track housing market swings, fuel and energy price changes, and trade issues tied to post‑Brexit rules. Each story links to expert analysis and easy takeaways you can use to plan household budgets or business moves.

Key topics we cover

Inflation and interest rates — who pays more and who gets relief. When the Bank of England raises rates, loan and mortgage costs rise; when it cuts, savers see lower returns. We explain how those shifts change monthly payments and long‑term borrowing choices.

Jobs and wages — which sectors are hiring, where pay is rising and where layoffs hit. Look for pieces that break down regional trends so you know if your city is gaining or losing opportunity.

Public spending and taxes — new budgets or cuts change services and take‑home pay. We simplify budget announcements so you can see which benefits, taxes or projects matter to your household.

Energy and cost of living — from wholesale gas prices to household bills. You’ll find guides on switching suppliers, applying for support schemes and reducing home energy use without big expenses.

How to use this tag page

Scan the newest stories at the top for breaking items like Bank of England moves or surprise GDP updates. Click explainers when you need a short, non‑technical summary. Open analysis pieces to see how trends may affect mortgages, job markets or food prices over months.

Want practical steps? Check our wallet and work guides: tips on negotiating pay, cutting household bills, or timing big purchases like cars and houses. We often include checklists and calculators from trusted sources so you can act fast.

We also flag must‑watch dates: budget days, inflation releases, Bank of England meetings and major corporate earnings. Bookmark this tag and subscribe to alerts to get those events straight to your inbox or phone.

If you run a small business, look for tax, hiring and trade reports that explain rules and reliefs. We aim to make compliance and planning simple with bulletpoint summaries and links to official forms.

Finally, tell us what you need. Use the comments or email to suggest topics — whether you want help with a mortgage question, a breakdown of a new policy or a regional jobs update. We’ll focus our reporting on the issues that matter most to readers across the UK.

For quicker updates, follow our UK economy feed on social channels and turn on notifications. Our newsletter sends a twice‑weekly roundup with top headlines, explainers and one smart tip to save or earn money. If you want cuts, check our long reads and data visualisations that break complex numbers into clear charts and actions.

UK Economy Defies Expectations: Unexpected Q2 Growth Reflects Resilience Amid Global Slowdown

UK Economy Defies Expectations: Unexpected Q2 Growth Reflects Resilience Amid Global Slowdown

The UK's economy has recorded an unexpected 0.3% growth in Q2 2024, challenging previous forecasts and displaying resilience against global economic uncertainties. This growth is largely driven by consumer spending and a robust service sector. Chancellor Rachel Johnson and the Bank of England express cautious optimism while managing inflation and considering interest rate hikes.

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