Digest archive
Business
Original report:
Britain’s unemployment rate unexpectedly declined in figures reported on 20 October 2026, while payroll employment increased. But vacancies fell to their lowest level since 2021, leaving economists divided over the strength of the labour market ahead of the budget.
Finance
Original report:
Readers interviewed by the Guardian about the October 2026 budget welcomed some targeted support but described persistent financial strains. Their accounts highlighted rent shortfalls, mortgage increases and business expenses that they felt the reported measures did not adequately address.