Weekly Digest – 13 September 2022
Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.
Strike action cancelled due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Royal Mail postal workers and rail staff were set to begin immediate strike action, but unions representing the groups said “out of respect for her service to the country and her family” they have chosen to cancel immediate strike action.
UK economy grows less than expected
Worker shortages and high costs kept economic activity down in July. These factors led to slower growth than expected amid the heightened risk of recession.
Heathrow numbers recovering but still well below pre-pandemic levels
The airport saw 2.2 million passengers in August, which is still well below the 7.7 million passengers that passed through in August 2019. The weak number is partly due to a cap imposed as they grapple with ongoing staff shortages.
Truss plans a budget and a trip to the US
In the days following the Queen’s funeral, Prime Minister Liz Truss is expected to hold a mini-budget event and travel to the leaders’ summit of the UN general assembly in New York.
Cost of living sends retirees back to work
New figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest that the number of people aged 65 and over in employment increased by a record 173,000 in the quarter that ended in June.
New policy will save the average household about £1,000 a year
Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced that a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 annually for its gas and electricity bills from the start of October. It’s her first major policy announcement.
Key interest rate decision postponed
The Bank of England has postponed a key decision on interest rates following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The new announcement will be held on September 22, after the period of national mourning.
EU considers levy on fossil fuel firms to help with high prices
A plan drafted in the EU may force fossil fuel firms to share their excess profits to help European households and industries cope with sky-high energy bills.
Bank holiday may push UK into a recession
The bank holiday planned for the Queen’s funeral on Monday raises the risk of Britain’s already-faltering economy. We could fall into a recession sooner than expected, experts have warned.
Millionaire accountant causes more trouble for neighbours immediately after his release from prison
Graham Wildin of Gloucestershire just spent six weeks in prison for building a 10,000 square foot extension of his home, which includes a casino and bowling alley, without the proper permits. Neighbours say he is “as belligerent as ever” now that he has returned home.
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