Work Rights Consultation: The government is consulting on sweeping new workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, aiming to help millions stay in work (with the current system often forcing people to cut hours or leave). Early Years Recruitment Boost: England’s nursery teachers in deprived areas can apply for a £4,500 cash bonus to tackle early-years staffing shortages. Flexible Work Under Threat: The British Retail Consortium warns Labour’s proposed “guaranteed hours” rules could reduce access to flexible jobs that many part-time workers rely on. AI and Jobs: EY’s AI leader says firms are over-focused on AI cost-cutting, arguing automation still needs people to run, govern and improve systems. Manufacturing Safety: A spotlight on how predictive intelligence is shifting factories from reactive safety to prevention. Retail Restructuring: Phase Eight is preparing to close “underperforming” stores, raising more high-street job uncertainty. Crime and Licensing: A Bristol corner shop’s licence was revoked after a no-right-to-work case, underlining enforcement risk for employers. Leadership in Focus: GSK’s $10.6bn Nuvalent deal signals a major oncology push. Sports Discipline: Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson face ECB scrutiny after a reported curfew breach and nightclub incident, with captaincy implications.