UK business & economy

• Major recruiters drop ‘exit fees’ on newly hired staff who quit early 28th May 2022
  Move comes after campaign by people who accused some companies of ‘trapping’ them in contracts
• Rishi Sunak’s North Sea levy prompts call for energy tax overhaul 27th May 2022
  Industry calls for tax banding as UK government raises more revenues from oil and gas than it has in half a century
• A striking U-turn to alleviate the UK cost of living crisis 27th May 2022
  Rishi Sunak’s support for households is welcome, but windfall taxes are a bad policy
• UK signs first post-Brexit life science agreement with Sweden 27th May 2022
  Countries commit to deepen scientific ties after EU exit leaves Britain outside European research programme
• Boris Johnson buys himself time with cost of living package 27th May 2022
  Looming by-elections could mean relief for UK prime minister is shortlived
• UK ministers poised to launch new £3bn recovery loan scheme 27th May 2022
  Treasury to replace Covid support measures with tighter requirements to help business recover from the pandemic
• Ties that bind Scotland to the UK loosen 27th May 2022
  The monarchy and other British institutions have faltered but Nicola Sturgeon’s dream of ruling an independent nation is not secure either
• UK electricity networks under fire for pushing advice costs on to customers 27th May 2022
  Regional monopolies quizzed on why they are not funding service themselves
• Johnson and Sunak say household support will not add to UK inflation 27th May 2022
  Most economists disagree with chancellor but have offered varied views on precise impact on price trends
• Rishi Sunak: bowing to pressure may sink him further 27th May 2022
  Plus, what pains Conservatives about the government’s U-turn, and a football dilemma