Business groups have expressed concern over US President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, warning of a “devastating” impact on UK firms already struggling with sluggish growth. President Trump has set out plans for new import taxes on all goods entering the US, with a baseline tariff on all imports of at least 10%. The Federation of Small Businesses highlighted that 59% of small UK exporters rely on the US market, with policy chair Tina McKenzie saying: “Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit.” The Confederation of British Industry has also expressed concerns over the US’ plans, with chief executive Rain Newton-Smith noting: “There are no winners in a trade war.” Experts predict that UK firms exporting to the US may need to reassess their trade agreements, with Emma Rowland from the Institute of Directors noting that the US is the UK’s largest single trading partner. Analysts have also reported increased volatility in financial markets as a result of these tariffs, with Susannah Streeter from Hargreaves Lansdown saying: “As threats have turned into facts, the plan for blanket tariffs on US trading partners has unnerved investors.” The Government is actively working to negotiate a trade deal with the US following the imposition of the tariffs. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Nobody wants a trade war and our intention remains to secure a deal.”

Almost 3,000 companies closed in the opening quarter of 2025, marking the highest number of closures since the pandemic. A total of 2,718 companies shut down between January and March, with this the highest first quarter total since 2021, when 5,133 notices of liquidation were filed. Analysis shows that 382 notices of liquidation were published in January, with 637 in February and 1,699 in March. It has been suggested that tax hikes set out in October’s Budget have played a part in the increase of corporate closures, with Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, saying: “Businesses up and down the country have just been getting by for years but may now have to shut up shop thanks to the Chancellor’s misguided jobs tax.” Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride, meanwhile, said: “The Chancellor’s anti-business Budget is pushing businesses to the brink.” Sam Bidwell, director of research at the Adam Smith Institute, said the scale of closures was “shocking but not surprising,” adding that it is now “incumbent upon the Government to take action” by reducing the tax burden, cutting red tape and bringing down energy prices.

Data shows that while the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has seen 15 takeover bids so far this year, there have only been four IPOs, with three of these seeing companies join AIM, the LSE’s junior market. AJ Bell investment analyst Dan Coatsworth said the pace of IPOs is “nothing more than a dribble,” warning that tax increases and US tariffs are causing “considerable uncertainty” for firms. Mr Coatsworth went on to suggest that despite a slow start to 2025, the “rumour mill of new entrants is going into overdrive.” Meanwhile, Charles Hall from Peel Hunt has emphasised the need for “urgent” support to enhance the market’s attractiveness.

Analysis by jobs website Indeed shows that wage increases among low-paid workers are at the lowest level in three years. Annual pay growth for low-wage jobs stood at 6.2% in February, with this down on the 6.8% growth recorded in January and the lowest level since early 2022. Jack Kennedy, a senior economist at Indeed, noted: “For some time now, low-paid sectors have been seeing significantly stronger pay growth than the rest of the market,” but warned that higher employment costs are having an impact on firms that employ lower-paid staff. This comes as firms brace for an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions.

Whistleblowing reports increased by 16% year-on-year in 2024, according to Safecall, an agency specialising in reporting. The data shows that one in five (19%) reports were related to dishonest behaviour, with this marking a record high. Joanna Lewis, managing director of Safecall, described the findings as both “positive and negative,” saying: “The higher levels of whistleblowing may indicate that there is increased wrongdoing – but it also indicates that there is higher levels of reporting confidence, which is good.”

Analysis of HMRC data by Investengine shows that while fewer investors are opting for Cash ISAs, there has been a 57% increase in Stocks and Shares ISAs. New Cash ISA accounts have fallen by 7% over the last five years. The data also shows that the amount held in Stocks and Shares ISAs increased by 37% between 2018/19 and 2022/23, compared to 9% for cash ISAs. The £431bn held in Stocks and Shares ISAs is 46% higher than the £294bn held in cash ISAs. Experts expect ministers to reform the ISA system in the Autumn Budget, with it reported that the Chancellor had been considering cutting the cash ISA limit from £20,000 to £4,000 ahead of last month’s Spring Statement.

The average working household in the UK is projected to be £400 worse off this year due to a combination of factors, including a freeze on the income tax threshold and increased National Insurance contributions for employers. Analysis by the Resolution Foundation warns that the poorest half of the workforce could see a 3% decline in disposable income over the next five years, equating to about £500 per household. The think-tank highlighted that a freeze on personal tax thresholds would push more earners into higher bands and a hike in employer National Insurance is set to stifle wage growth. Adam Corlett from the Resolution Foundation said: “The new tax year has arrived, and brings with it higher taxes, even larger bill increases, and benefits that aren’t keeping pace with the rising cost of living.” Rising utility bills and council tax increases further exacerbate the financial strain on households, with many local authorities raising council tax by the maximum allowed.

Rachel Reeves has defended the £40bn in tax increases set out in last October’s Budget, saying that without the hikes, NHS waiting lists would be even longer. The Chancellor said ministers increased National Insurance contributions and put £25bn extra investment into the NHS, adding: “We think that was the right priority.” As of April 6, employers face a £25bn increase in National Insurance contributions. While business groups have warned about that the hike – alongside the 6.7% increase to the national living wage for people aged 21 and over – makes job losses likely, Ms Reeves said labour market data shows that wages are growing at twice the rate of inflation and vacancies “have stabilised at a relatively high level.” This, she said, “gives confidence that businesses do want to carry on hiring.”

The rise of hybrid and remote work has given employees more flexibility but has also blurred the lines between work and leisure. A survey by Tubi found that 84% of Gen Z employees watch TV or movies while working from home, with over half admitting to delaying work for a binge-worthy series. But rather than signaling lower productivity, experts suggest this reflects a shift in how younger workers manage focus and work-life balance. It is suggested that streaming is becoming an integrated part of the workday, serving as both a break and a tool for maintaining concentration.