Business

Supermarket giant Morrisons will close 103 outlets across the UK this year — including cafés, florists, pharmacies and convenience stores — in its latest effort to streamline operations and refocus investment on core areas of growth. The closures form part of a broad restructuring strategy to “accelerate growth” and “optimise operations”, following mounting cost pressures and what chief executive Rami …

It was one of those small domestic moments that tells you everything you need to know about the modern British service industry. I was visiting my parents, both octogenarians, both long past the stage of bothering to shop around for anything,  when an envelope from the AA thudded onto the doormat. My mother opened it with the slight suspicion that …

Karachi: Master Changan Motors Limited has launched its “Changan Certified” Used Car Program across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Sialkot, setting a new benchmark of transparency, trust, and value in Pakistan’s pre-owned vehicle market. The program introduces a structured and customer-centric approach to buying, selling, and exchanging used cars, ensuring peace of mind and fair market value through a comprehensive 209-point …

KARACHI: President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Rehan Hanif, has reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to resolving the issues of the business community, stating that “resolving traders’ problems is our top priority, and we will not leave them alone in difficult times.” He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Chemicals …

The Pakistan Society of Human Resource Management (PSHRM) and Engage Consulting have named ChildLife Foundation the Best Place to Work for Women in Pakistan — 2025. The recognition reflects the Foundation’s commitment to gender-inclusive policies, safe workplaces, and career development for women. The award ceremony was held recently in Karachi. Part of the nationwide Best Place To Work study, the …

Rumoured increases to employer pension contributions in next month’s Budget are sparking panic among UK businesses, with nearly one in five firms warning they could face insolvency if contribution rates rise. A survey of 500 businesses by consultancy Barnett Waddingham found that 19% of employers believe a mandatory hike in workplace pension contributions could push them over the edge financially. …

Employees returning to work after cancer treatment must be actively involved in how their reintegration is managed, according to new research that warns current HR support structures are too rigid and often fail to reflect the lived reality of survivors. A study from NEOMA Business School, conducted in collaboration with IAE Lyon, found that traditional mechanisms such as recognised disability …

Government borrowing rose sharply to more than £20bn in September – the highest level in five years – piling further pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she prepares a tax-raising Budget next month. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), monthly borrowing increased by £1.6bn from August, contributing to a six-month total of £99.8bn, the second-highest level ever recorded …

High-earning professionals earning just over £100,000 — often dubbed “Henrys” (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) — could be among the hardest hit in next month’s Budget, with analysts warning their effective tax rate could rise beyond the already punitive 60% threshold. Typically consisting of mid-career professionals and dual-income households with limited accumulated wealth or assets, Henrys are often caught in …

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company backed by Google’s parent firm Alphabet, has confirmed plans to roll out its self-driving ride-hailing service in London in 2026, marking a major step forward in the UK’s adoption of autonomous transport. Already operating fully driverless services in US cities including Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Waymo will work with fleet partner Moove to …