China’s economy grew by 5% in the first quarter of this year, better than expected, despite global energy market disruptions caused by the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. However, challenges remain from weak consumer spending, a troubled property market, and a declining population. China is focusing on investing in high-tech and green energy industries to strengthen its position.
Key Facts
China’s economy grew 5% in the first quarter of the year.
This growth was better than economists had predicted.
The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is affecting global energy markets.
China’s domestic consumer spending is weak.
The country’s property market is struggling.
China’s population is shrinking, which may impact future growth.
Beijing is investing heavily in high-tech and green energy sectors.
China leads global supply chains in many high-tech and green energy areas.
The Iran war is changing energy supply routes, and China may be less affected than other countries.
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Royal Mail will change second-class post delivery to every other weekday and stop Saturday deliveries starting next month. This is part of a £500 million plan to improve late deliveries and meet new targets set by the postal regulator, Ofcom.
Key Facts
Second-class post will be delivered every other weekday, with no deliveries on Saturdays starting next month.
First-class post and parcel deliveries will stay the same, with daily service Monday to Saturday for first-class and up to seven days for parcels.
Royal Mail aims to meet new delivery targets from Ofcom by next May.
Ofcom fined Royal Mail £21 million last October for missing delivery targets in 2024-25.
Royal Mail’s £500 million investment includes allowing 6,000 part-time workers to increase their hours if needed.
Stamp prices have recently risen to £1.80 for first-class and 91p for second-class mail.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will ballot members on the changes after reaching an agreement with Royal Mail.
The company’s new delivery goals include 85% of first-class mail delivered next day within nine months, improving to 90% within a year.
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Walmart is recalling several products after safety regulators found risks that could cause serious injuries. Items like exercise machines, portable generators, and infant car seats sold at Walmart and online have defects that could lead to falls, burns, fires, or safety issues with car seats.
Key Facts
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced recalls in April.
Sperax walking pads and treadmills sold online can suddenly speed up or stop, causing falls and burns; Sperax refused to recall them.
About 149,400 Generac portable generators were recalled due to fuel leaks that could cause fires or burns.
Generac received 114 reports of fuel leaks but no injuries so far.
Around 5,126 Graco rear-facing infant car seats were recalled for a potential safety defect in the restraint system.
The recalled Graco seats were made between December 2025 and March 2026.
Customers should stop using the affected products, check model numbers, and follow recall instructions.
The recalled products were sold through Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and other retailers like Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
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A new report shows that companies offering gig work for nurses, similar to Uber’s model for drivers, are pushing to change laws so they have fewer rules to follow. These companies use artificial intelligence (AI) to set pay, track work, and let nurses bid against each other for shifts, often lowering wages and reducing worker protections. The report warns this could hurt nurses’ rights, pay, and patient safety as these platforms grow and gain government contracts.
Key Facts
Several nurse gig platforms have reached valuations of $1 billion, attracting private investment.
These platforms use AI to fix pay rates, monitor performance, and decide future work opportunities for nurses.
Nurses can bid with hourly wage offers for shifts, with the lowest bid often winning the job.
Some platforms deduct points from nurses for cancelling or showing up late, affecting future work chances.
Since 2022, lawmakers in 17 states have proposed bills to exempt gig nursing platforms from healthcare staffing rules.
States like Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota are considering laws that reduce regulations on these gig companies.
Some states already exempt gig nurses from worker protection and unemployment insurance laws.
The companies are also lobbying federally for laws that allow them to get government contracts and reduce liability for patient injuries.
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A large law firm called PM Law in Sheffield suddenly closed and is now under investigation for suspected fraud involving nearly £40 million of client money. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is working to support affected clients and has paid out millions from a compensation fund.
Key Facts
PM Law had 25 offices across several UK regions and over 600 staff.
The firm closed on 2 February, leaving many clients' legal cases impacted.
The SRA estimates £39.5 million of client funds were misused or wrongly removed.
More than £21 million in claims have been made to the SRA compensation fund so far.
By 17 April, the SRA had paid £9.31 million to clients from the fund and £6.8 million from money found at the firm.
About 9,300 client files were returned to their owners by the regulator.
The investigation involves reviewing around 25,000 emails and letters and 17,000 inquiries.
Police fraud reporting services are involved and collaborating with the SRA on the case.
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The Scott Trust, owner of the Guardian, announced the next phase of its 10-year plan to address the newspaper’s historical ties to transatlantic slavery. The plan, running from 2026 to 2030, includes community support projects in Jamaica, the US Sea Islands, and Manchester, and aims to continue restorative justice efforts through funding, journalism, and education.
Key Facts
The Scott Trust started the Legacies of Enslavement programme in 2023.
The programme acknowledges the Guardian’s founder profited from slavery in Jamaica and the US.
The next phase will invest millions of UK pounds in community projects led by descendants of enslaved people.
Initiatives focus on education, land rights, economic and climate justice, cultural preservation, and healing conversations.
New managers have been appointed to lead work in Jamaica and the US Sea Islands, joining the existing manager in Manchester.
The programme supports recovery efforts in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa and plans a Manchester exhibition on cotton and slavery.
The Guardian is expanding its coverage of Black communities globally and increasing diversity through bursaries and trainee schemes.
The Cotton Capital newsletter, exploring slavery’s legacy and reparative justice, will be relaunched monthly.
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A jury in North Carolina found that Uber is responsible for a driver who touched a passenger inappropriately and asked to keep her with him. The jury awarded the passenger $5,000 in damages, marking one of several lawsuits against Uber for sexual assault by drivers.
Key Facts
A federal jury in Charlotte, North Carolina, ruled Uber liable for a driver's inappropriate touching of a passenger.
The driver grabbed the passenger’s inner thigh and asked if he could "keep her" with him as she left the car.
The jury awarded $5,000 in damages to the passenger.
This case is one of several sexual assault lawsuits against Uber across the U.S.
Uber drivers are classified as contractors, not employees, which has affected liability claims.
A judge ruled Uber is a "common carrier" in North Carolina, meaning it is responsible for its drivers' conduct.
Uber disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal, saying the jury was wrongly instructed on liability.
Previous cases show mixed results, including an $8.5 million award in Arizona and a not liable verdict in California.
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The UK jobs market showed a small drop in unemployment to 4.9% by February, but signs of weakness remain, such as fewer people working and weak wage growth. The conflict in Iran and rising energy prices may make the economic situation more difficult, and the Bank of England is cautious about raising interest rates aggressively.
Key Facts
UK unemployment fell from 5.2% to 4.9% in the three months to February.
Economic inactivity increased, meaning more people are not looking for work.
The number of payrolled jobs declined by 65,000 in March compared to a year earlier.
Annual pay growth slowed to 3.8%, the weakest since autumn 2020.
Real wage growth, after adjusting for inflation, was only 0.7%, the lowest since mid-2023.
Rising energy prices and the Iran conflict threaten the UK’s economic recovery.
Economists expect unemployment to rise through 2026 due to economic slowdown.
The Bank of England may hold interest rates steady rather than raise them aggressively because wage growth remains weak.
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Oil prices fell slightly while most Asian stock markets rose amid uncertainty about U.S.-Iran talks aimed at ending the war. U.S. President Donald Trump announced Vice President JD Vance would visit Pakistan, but Iran did not agree to continue negotiations after the U.S. Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price dropped 1% to $94.44 per barrel; U.S. crude fell 1.2% to $86.19.
Asian stock markets mostly increased: Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.9%, South Korea’s Kospi gained 2.6%, Taiwan’s Taiex went up 1.8%.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index increased by 0.4%, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.1%.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined slightly by 0.1%.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Vice President JD Vance will hold talks in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iran showed no commitment to continuing negotiations after the U.S. Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.
A ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire Tuesday night, creating uncertainty about peace prospects.
Oil prices remain below recent peaks despite ongoing war concerns, and U.S. economic indicators show resilience due to consumer spending.
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Primark’s owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), plans to separate Primark from its food businesses like Twinings and Kingsmill by the end of 2027. The company reported lower sales and profits partly due to weak consumer spending, which may be affected further by the Middle East conflict.
Key Facts
ABF will split Primark from its food business, called FoodCo, by the end of 2027.
Group sales dropped 2% to £9.46 billion in the six months ending February 28.
Pre-tax profits fell 9% to £632 million in the same period.
ABF’s sugar business performed worse than expected and is forecasted to lose money this year.
Primark’s sales declined 2.7% globally, with UK sales rising but European sales falling 5.6%.
The company said the Middle East conflict is affecting consumer confidence and spending.
George Weston, ABF’s CEO, will lead the food business after the split.
Eoin Tonge will stay as CEO of Primark after the separation.
ABF believes the split will help both businesses grow and improve shareholder returns.
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Purdue Pharma will be sentenced to pay $225 million to the Justice Department to settle thousands of lawsuits about its role in the opioid crisis. As part of a deal, the Sackler family who owns Purdue will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years, mostly to government programs fighting opioid addiction.
Key Facts
Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty in 2020 to three federal criminal charges about opioid sales practices.
The company admitted it failed to stop its painkillers from being sold illegally on the black market.
Purdue also paid doctors and a medical records company to encourage more opioid prescriptions.
A judge will order Purdue to forfeit $225 million to the Justice Department.
In the plea deal, the government waived $5.3 billion in criminal fines and $2.8 billion in civil penalties.
The Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years to state, local, and tribal governments and some victims.
The settlement is one of the largest and includes money for both government programs and some victims directly.
Total opioid-related settlements with drug companies in recent years exceed $50 billion, mostly for overdose prevention.
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UK unemployment fell to 4.9% in the three months to February, lower than expected. However, wage growth slowed and experts predict more job losses due to the Middle East conflict and economic challenges.
Key Facts
UK unemployment rate dropped from 5.2% in January to 4.9% in February.
Wage growth, excluding bonuses, slowed to 3.6%, the lowest since November 2020.
Private sector pay growth fell slightly from 3.3% to 3.2%, aligning with Bank of England inflation targets.
The Bank of England will review employment and inflation data before deciding on interest rates on April 30.
Iran war starting February 28 has not yet affected February jobs data, but March payrolls fell by 11,000 workers.
Job vacancies are at their lowest level in nearly five years, but vacancies per unemployed person stay about the same.
Economic forecasts expect unemployment to rise to 5.8% by mid-2027, with about 250,000 extra job losses linked to the Middle East crisis.
The IMF recently lowered the UK’s growth forecast for 2026 from 1.3% to 0.8%, the biggest downgrade among G7 countries.
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The UK unemployment rate fell unexpectedly to 4.9% in the three months leading up to February. Wages grew by 3.6% annually during this period, rising faster than inflation despite a slower growth pace.
Key Facts
The unemployment rate in the UK dropped to 4.9% from an expected 5.2%.
The data covers the three-month period up to February.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provided these figures.
Wages increased by 3.6% year-on-year between December and February.
Wage growth is still higher than inflation, meaning pay raises outpaced price increases.
Analysts had predicted the unemployment rate would stay the same at 5.2%.
The UK economy showed stronger growth than expected in February.
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The war in the Middle East has caused a fuel crisis that forced many ceramic factories in Morbi, India’s ceramics hub, to shut down due to a shortage of propane and natural gas. This has led to job losses and many migrant workers returning to their hometowns.
Key Facts
Morbi, in western India, is the center of the country’s ceramics industry, employing over 400,000 workers.
More than 600 ceramic companies operate in Morbi, producing about 80 percent of India’s ceramics products.
At least 450 companies in Morbi have stopped working because they cannot get enough propane and natural gas.
The fuel shortage is linked to the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Many migrant workers, like Pradeep Kumar, have lost their jobs and returned to their poorer home states.
The Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association has closed units until April 15, hoping the crisis will improve.
The ongoing conflict has caused global fuel supply disruptions and higher oil prices.
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An ancient breed of white park cattle in the UK has been added to an urgent "priority" at-risk list by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust due to a sharp drop in calf numbers. The charity also moved three other native livestock breeds to the priority category and is calling for more government support to protect these rare animals and their environmental roles.
Key Facts
White park cattle, an ancient breed linked to the Celts, saw calf births drop to less than two-thirds of 2022 numbers.
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust upgraded white park cattle, original population Lincoln red cattle, Boreray sheep, and Soay sheep to the "priority" risk category in its 2026 watchlist.
White park cattle are described as semi-wild and partially domesticated, with long horns and a history dating back 2,000 years in Britain.
Their numbers declined due to industrial farming and low financial incentives for farmers to keep native breeds.
White park cattle contribute to conservation grazing, which helps maintain wildlife habitats.
The charity emphasizes the importance of these breeds for biodiversity and urges environmental policies that support them.
Some native breeds like Aberdeen Angus cattle and Manx Loaghtan sheep are increasing in population.
The UK government says it supports at-risk native breeds through sustainable farming schemes and habitat funding.
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A monthly pop-up shop in Kettering, Northamptonshire, gives free clothing, toiletries, and household items to people facing financial difficulties. The initiative is part of a local council program aimed at helping families cope with rising living costs.
Key Facts
The pop-up shop is run by LIVE Kettering at Drover's Hall.
People receive tokens to choose up to 10 free items like school uniforms and work clothes.
The service started because of the increasing cost of living in the area.
It serves multiple towns, including Kettering, Wellingborough, and Corby.
Visitors say the free items help them save money on essentials like food and clothing.
Kettering is described as a less wealthy town with many people struggling financially.
The project is organized with support from North Northamptonshire Council.
The pop-up shop aims to support the local community during economic challenges.
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Denby Pottery, a ceramics company in Derbyshire founded in 1809, is facing financial troubles due to rising energy and labor costs and entered administration on March 31. More than 40,000 people have signed a petition asking the government to include the ceramics industry in a financial support program called the British Industry Supercharger scheme to help with electricity costs.
Key Facts
Denby Pottery appointed administrators on March 31 because of high energy and labor costs.
A petition started by former worker Hayley Baddiley calls for ceramics firms to join the British Industry Supercharger scheme, which currently covers sectors like steel and chemicals.
The petition got over 40,000 signatures in four days; 100,000 are needed for a parliamentary debate.
The UK ceramics industry employs more than 20,000 people and is worth about £2 billion.
More than 80 Denby Pottery workers have already been made redundant during the administration process.
Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth supports the petition and believes this will help attract new investors.
The government said it is in talks with industry groups and unions to support historic industries like ceramics during tough economic times.
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Farmers in the UK are struggling with a big rise in the price of red diesel, a type of cheap fuel used for farming. This increase is causing them to reconsider planting crops and could lead to higher food prices and shortages in the future.
Key Facts
Red diesel price increased from 78p per litre before the Middle East war to £1.22 recently, peaking at £1.38 in early March.
The conflict in the Middle East started on 28 February and caused fuel prices to rise.
Prices have dropped slightly after a ceasefire announcement on 8 April but remain 56% higher than before the war.
Farmers use red diesel for off-road vehicles, making it important for planting and harvesting crops.
Fertiliser costs have also gone up, for example, a tonne bag rose from £336 to £390 since last year.
Farmers report that the price they get for wheat is not rising enough to cover their increasing costs.
Some farmers are cutting expenses like farm insurance to manage costs, which is risky.
The government extended a 5p fuel duty cut until September and keeps an 80% tax discount on red diesel.
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Palantir, a US technology company known for spy tools, published a manifesto praising American power and suggesting some cultures are less advanced. UK politicians criticized the document, expressing concern about Palantir’s large government contracts, including a £330 million deal with the NHS and others with police and defense agencies.
Key Facts
Palantir’s manifesto stated some cultures have made important progress while others remain “dysfunctional.”
The manifesto called for the US to bring back military conscription (a draft).
The company predicted a future with autonomous (self-operating) weapons controlled by AI.
UK Members of Parliament (MPs) called the manifesto a “parody” and “disturbing.”
Palantir has contracts in the UK worth over £500 million, including with the NHS, police, and Ministry of Defence.
MPs worry Palantir’s views and culture may not fit with handling sensitive UK government data.
The company’s CEO, Alex Karp, has made controversial statements about AI and political power shifts.
MPs want the UK government to reconsider or end Palantir’s contracts, especially with health and financial regulators.
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is suing Woolworths for allegedly using misleading price promotions that made customers think they were getting real discounts. The ACCC claims Woolworths raised prices temporarily before marking items as "Prices Dropped" discounts, which may have misled shoppers about actual savings.
Key Facts
The ACCC filed a court case against Woolworths about its “Prices Dropped” promotion.
Between September 2021 and May 2023, Woolworths raised prices on at least 266 products before offering them at a “discount.”
The items were sold at the original price for 180 days or more, then the price went up by at least 15% for less than 45 days before the promotion.
The third price shown during the promotion was often higher than the long-term original price before the temporary increase.
The ACCC calls this practice “marketing magic,” suggesting it tricks customers into thinking they got a real deal.
In one example, a family pack of Oreos was raised from $3.50 to $5.00 before being “discounted” to $4.50, which was still more than the original price.
Woolworths often agreed with suppliers on the discounted price while also planning price increases beforehand.
The case is similar to a previous one against Coles for misleading price promotions.
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