News

Berkeley Group, a major UK housebuilder, warns that a potential new cladding tax could hinder its efforts to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029, adding to industry concerns about rising costs and regulatory changes. Despite these challenges, the company reports a "modest improvement in sales reservations" and reaffirms its commitment to shareholder returns.

The UK's manufacturing sector is facing a perfect storm of rising costs, global trade disruptions, and higher taxes, leading to a sharp decline in output and fears of a deeper economic crisis in 2025. The industry is calling for urgent government support to weather the storm and ensure its long-term viability.

Britain's youngest workers are facing a tougher jobs landscape as businesses cut back on hiring due to rising employment taxes and a looming minimum wage increase. This has led to a 1.8% contraction in youth employment among those aged 16-24, with concerns growing that this demographic could miss out on crucial early-career experiences.

Homebuyers in England face a wider selection of properties this spring, with the number of homes on the market reaching a decade-high, offering greater choice and curbing house price inflation. Despite missing the March stamp duty deadline, the market remains resilient, with agreed sales and new seller numbers exceeding last year's figures.

The UK construction sector is showing signs of a tentative rebound, with a marked increase in job vacancies reported by recruiters. This is a welcome development for an industry that has recently experienced sluggish growth, and it suggests that the sector may be among those leading the push towards a more stable recruitment landscape in the UK this year.