UK economy contracts again in May

Weak manufacturing and retail drive surprise decline.

Funding needed to fix struggling high streets

Reviving town centres takes more than tax reform.

Public finances face rising long-term risks

OBR warns triple lock could cost £15bn a year.

Markets stabilise after Reeves backed by PM

Bond yields fall as political uncertainty eases.

AI reduces UK entry-level job opportunities

Fewer junior roles as automation reshapes hiring patterns.