Growth slows across UK private sector as job cuts accelerate
The S&P Global flash UK composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) reported a reading of 51 in July, sliding from a nine-month high of 52 reported in June. Any score above 50.0 indicates that activity is growing while any score below means it is contracting. Firms linked job cuts to higher labour costs in last autumn’s budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Anthony Devlin/PA)It was also weaker than expected by economists, who had predicted a reading of 51.8 for the month. Surveyed firms reported a drop in overall new work from the private sector, slipping to its weakest level for three months. Lower levels of new work contributed to another drop in employment, with the survey showing the fastest rate of “job shedding” since February, with job cuts across the manufacturing and service sectors.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 15:59 UTC
European countries Blue Badges can be recognised for parking
However, GOV.UK advises that before visiting a country, you should always check whether it recognises the UK Blue Badge. It explains: “Some countries may require you to display a local parking notice as well as your Blue Badge.”Popular countries in Europe where Blue Badges could be usedLet’s take a look at just some of the most popular countries in Europe where your Blue Badge could be recognised:AustriaBelgiumCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmark - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessionsEstoniaFinlandGermanyHungaryIrelandMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalSwedenSwitzerland - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessionsGOV.UK says France “may not recognise non-EU issued parking cards” while in Italy “non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only”. You can see the full list of European countries where Blue Badges are recognised for parking on the GOV.UK website. Blue Badge user rulesUK travellers can also find links to each country’s rules when it comes to parking for disabled people and Blue Badges. GOV.UK states: “Even in countries that recognise the Blue Badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 15:50 UTC
Golden Earring co-founder George Kooymans dies aged 77
Kooymans, from The Hague, was in his mid-teens when he helped found what became Golden Earring in the early 1960s: The band’s name was inspired by an instrumental of the time, Golden Earrings. “George bore this devastating and debilitating illness with exceptional strength and dignity,” a statement from Golden Earring reads in part. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.”With more than 20 top 10 singles in their native country, Golden Earring had more success at home than overseas. Golden Earring shared bills with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin among others and toured with such stars as Aerosmith, Rush and the Doobie Brothers. Golden Earring continued to tour and record in the 1990s and beyond.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 15:24 UTC
Prince: Sign O' The Times concert film is coming to IMAX cinemas
Prince: Sign O' The Times concert film is coming to IMAX cinemasJust for one week! Prince Author: Anna Sky Magliola Published 12 hours agoLast updated 9 hours agoThe critically acclaimed 1987 concert film Prince: Sign O' The Times, is making its way to IMAX cinemas across the country very soon. How to watch the filmThe film is only available in IMAX cinemas, to find your nearest one visit the IMAX website. Becoming Led Zeppelin (Cinemas) The long-gestating Led Zeppelin documentary film Becoming Led Zeppelin is finally set to hit cinema screens on 7th February in the UK. Bono: Stories of Surrender U2 frontman Bono is the subject of a feature-length documentary film called Bono: Stories to Surrender.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 12:45 UTC
Trump’s links to Scotland — from golf courses to family history
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Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 11:43 UTC
'We never used to have sex, then I started Mounjaro and it's four times a week'
'We never used to have sex, then I started Mounjaro and it's four times a week'Jackie says she and partner Carl are 'like kids again' after she started taking the weight-loss jabsJackie Collins with partner CarlA woman says she has gone from having sex "a couple of times a month to four times a week" thanks to Mounjaro after losing nearly 3st in just six months. After a friend suggested she try Mounjaro, within weeks Jackie began to notice her hunger reducing. Perhaps the biggest change though, is Jackie says the "passion" in her sex life with her partner, Carl, 44, has returned - going from just a couple of times a month to four times a week. We've gone from a couple of times a month to three or four times a week. Jackie Collins after weightlossArticle continues below"Now my body is getting used to it, I fancy meals, but I don't eat as much.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 11:30 UTC
India-UK FTA: Key highlights
* The FTA creates new market access for emerging products, such as jackfruit, millets, and organic herbs, helping farmers diversify against domestic price volatility. * India exports worth USD 36.63 billion globally, while the UK imports USD 37.52 billion, but imports just USD 811 million from India, indicating a room for growth in high-value agri products. * Despite the UK's USD 5.4 billion marine import market, India's share remains at just 2.25 per cent, underscoring a significant untapped export opportunity. * India is facing a duty disadvantage vis-a-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan and Combodia, which had duty free access to the UK market. * The FTA is projected to add 5 per cent UK market share within 1-2 years.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 11:24 UTC
7-23-25 Morning Rush - RIP Ozzy Osbourne & Bachelorette Hannah Brown's Surprise Marriage & Blake Lively Lawsuit Backfires & Trump's Lame Attempt TO Deflect From Epstein - The Rush Hour With Dave Neal
Both camps face mounting legal scrutiny, including PR tactics and HR complaint tactics exposed in recent filings. This marks yet another legal front for the actress as the public begins to see several layers behind her image. 🎸 Legend Lost: Ozzy Osbourne Passes AwayRock icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away aged 76 on July 22, 2025, surrounded by family Vanity Fair+15Page Six+15People.com+15. 🏛️ Trump vs. Obama: Epstein Files DeflectionFormer President Trump is stirring controversy by claiming the Jeffrey Epstein files were “made up” by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and James Comey independent.co.uk+3politifact.com+3aol.com+3. Rush Hour cuts through the noise — tune in for sharp takes, expert guests, and exclusive scoops on these explosive stories.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 10:51 UTC
I reuse my teabags at least three times and even recycle my HAIR… people judge me but my icky hacks save £9k a year
"I soak my mankiest greasiest pots and plates in water containing teabags rather than expensive dishwasher tablets," she reveals. Ice cold wet used teabags are amazing for sunburn as well.”Talking Money: Flipping My Way Out Of DebtShe even soaks her hair in a solution of warm water and three used teabags for extra shine before a shower. She says: "I collect hair from the floor and the brushes to sell to companies who make hair extensions. Terrifying timeNot one to waste anything, Amanda fishes hair out of the plug-hole, too. Fresh rainwater is amazing for hair washing and costs nothing.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 10:40 UTC
PM Modi lands in UK; focus on free trade agreement: What's on his agenda?
Free Trade AgreementPoll Do you believe that the extradition of financial fugitives will be successful during PM Modi's visit? ""Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK. "There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and Indian justice in the UK. India has flagged this concern with British officials in the past and will continue to do so. Misri said that this issue affects not only India but also social stability in the UK.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 09:53 UTC
News UK announces partnership with Bankside Open Spaces Trust
London, July 2025: News UK is proud to announce a three year partnership with Bankside Open Spaces Trust, becoming a Founding Corporate Partner of Marlborough Sports Garden. Bankside Open Spaces Trust is committed to prioritising access for people who struggle to access sport, particularly low-income families and children with special educational needs and disabilities. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp.About Bankside Open Spaces TrustBankside Open Spaces Trust is an environmental and volunteering charity working to provide outstanding green spaces and outdoor activities that enhance the health and wellbeing of urban communities. The partnership with NewUK was introduced and negotiated by Marc Hope of The Winning Tape Ltd on behalf of Bankside Open Spaces Trust. For media enquiries for Bankside Open Spaces Trust please contact Mary Trafford maryt@bost.org.uk.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 09:34 UTC
Newspaper headlines: 'Crushing' treatment delays and '4-star fiasco'
It says a £425-a-night hotel in east London has been "booked up in anticipation of a summer surge in Channel crossings." The Daily Telegraph focuses on a warning, external from the Police Federation that officers could be forced to choose between local duties or tackling anti-migrant protests that turn violent. The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has told the Financial Times, external that she sees the leadership of Argentinian President Javier Milei as a "template". The i Paper highlights a warning, external from cancer charities that the strike will lead to appointments being delayed and treatment cancelled. The paper says the Lionesses' kit man has even had the 19-year-old's piano flown out to Switzerland for the tournament.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 06:55 UTC
UK police on alert for immigration protests near London this weekend
British police will have hundreds of officers on duty this weekend to deal with protests linked to immigration , a regional police chief said on Wednesday, amid worries over possible rioting.Ben-Julian Harrington said he was aware demonstrations were being advertised for Saturday and Sunday in Epping, in the county of Essex to London's northeast, after protests over the last week which resulted in violent disorder offences. "We'll have a robust policing operation. Essex is safe. He denies the charges, according to a BBC report.The man had arrived in Britain by boat from northern Europe eight days before the alleged incident on July 7, the BBC said, adding he had been remanded in custody.Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to stop thousands of migrants arriving in Britain via small boats, but is struggling to do so. Official data published earlier this month showed nearly 20,000 asylum seekers arrived on small boats in the first six months of the year, marking a record high for the period.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 04:46 UTC
McGuireWoods’ Francesca Titus Writes About U.K. Whistleblower Law in The Times
A bill moving through the U.K. Parliament to establish an independent Office of the Whistleblower is a welcome step but doesn’t go far enough to protect those who report wrongdoing, McGuireWoods London partner Francesca Titus wrote in a July 9, 2025, article in The Times. Titus said that the need for reform is obvious, as whistleblowers frequently suffer loss of livelihood, reputational damage and targeted attacks. The bill establishes a criminal offense for harming whistleblowers, but the proposed penalties are insufficient considering the risks whistleblowers face, Titus wrote. “The obvious missing element from the bill is a financial incentive scheme, which evidence from other jurisdictions shows increases the effectiveness of economic crime investigations and is being called for by law enforcement,” Titus wrote.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 03:31 UTC
Massive Avalanche Kills Mountaineer Above K2’s Basecamp
Friday afternoon, July 18, a massive avalanche on Pakistan’s notorious K2 claimed one life and left several others injured. Often called the “Savage Mountain,” K2 has earned its fearsome reputation for danger. “A foreign climber sustained minor injuries, while two others successfully returned to the Advance Base Camp,” Haidri said. Our international guide and clients were at Base Camp at the time of the incident and are all safe. Everyone from our team, including climbing Sherpas, has returned to Base Camp and is accounted for.
Source:The Times
July 24, 2025 03:01 UTC