AGP Executive Report

Pay squeeze and pay gaps: Sainsbury’s is seeking a shareholder vote to raise its chief executive Simon Roberts’ pay cap to £7.3m, as the grocer warns customers and staff face rising cost-of-living pressure. Work and living costs: A new report highlights how hard-working Britons are still being pushed toward food banks and debt, with energy bills and rent taking the biggest bite. Employment rights and regulation: The UK government is consulting on ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, while HMRC is also tightening rules and penalties for self-employed people. Workplace fairness in policing: West Yorkshire Police is criticised for how it keeps ethnic minority staff, with watchdog findings that “stay interviews” are used too narrowly. Local jobs and planning: Middlesbrough is doubling its neighbourhood caretaker team with a £1.7m investment to improve streets, while Winchester’s planning committee weighs a Turbocam UK change-of-use application despite 78 objections. Security and fraud risks: Police have issued a look-out notice in a UK job and visa fraud case, and separate reporting flags job-visa scams targeting people seeking work in the UK. Labour talks: In Canada, B.C. appoints veteran mediator Vince Ready to help settle a 911 call-taker pay dispute—an example of how negotiations can move when talks stall.

Retail Job Cuts: Britain’s biggest retailers shed nearly 18,000 workers over the past year, with Tesco, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis among those reporting headcount drops amid higher labour costs and softer demand. Pensions & Tax Admin: HMRC confirmed a 72-hour processing rule for pension tax “claim back” submissions and reiterated £200 fines for self-employed people under Making Tax Digital penalty changes. Winter Fuel Payment: DWP says two groups must apply for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment 2026, with eligibility tied to a June cut-off. Local Growth & Jobs: Solihull’s proposed Indurent Park business park near the M42 could deliver major employment land and millions in regional economic value during construction and operation. Skills & Youth Employment: A new push highlights the NEET crisis and the need for better pathways into starter roles, with calls for a “skills compass” approach. Big Investment: Comcast plans to invest over £5bn in a Universal theme park in the UK, projecting 28,000 construction jobs and major long-term visitor and economic impact. Administration Risk: A UK shipbuilding firm has entered administration, putting jobs at risk.

Graduate-to-work gap: New research argues “earn-and-learn” is forcing universities to redesign around working students, while another report warns graduates still aren’t “work-ready” because skills don’t match what employers need. Cost-of-living and work: A UK community food bank story shows people in full-time work still struggling after redundancies, highlighting pressure on household budgets even when employment exists. NHS workplace rules: The government backs antisemitism reforms that could restrict NHS staff from wearing political symbols, with recommendations aimed at tackling discrimination in healthcare. Jobs and security: UK intelligence warnings say Chinese spies are using job sites and fake offers to target sensitive personnel, pushing employers to tighten recruitment checks. Retail jobs hit: The British Heart Foundation plans to close about 150 charity shops over two years as costs rise and shopping shifts online, with staff offered redeployment where possible. Workplace learning: Feeding Britain’s Future is relaunched to strengthen youth pathways into food-sector roles. Labour and pay pressures: A BoE-linked survey of UK firms points to easing wage growth but expectations of lower sales and employment, alongside higher prices.

Workplace Rights & AI: A US worker won a religious exemption from using AI at her software job, a reminder that employers may have to consider faith-based requests when rolling out new tech. Disability & Benefits: The DWP says it will make four changes for everyone on PIP by 2028, aiming for a more joined-up health-and-employment journey. Terminal Illness Support: A Liberal Democrat MP pressed for people with terminal diagnoses to claim State Pension early; the DWP points to existing “Special Rules for End of Life” support instead. Jobs & Skills: Shropshire reports low, stable NEET rates (around 2.1–3.3%) after targeted early intervention and post-16 partnerships. Pay & Retail: Primark introduced a £13 minimum wage rule across UK stores, lifting pay for shop-floor staff. Hiring & Security: Five Eyes warns Chinese spies are using job sites and fake offers to target sensitive UK government and military staff. Business & Employment: European Cargo has collapsed into administration, leaving 178 staff jobless, while UK retailers cut nearly 18,000 jobs amid higher taxes and wages. Local Economy: Wales saw the weakest high-street footfall in the UK in May, with visits down 5% year-on-year. Employee Ownership: A Wilmslow law firm has become employee-owned after 25 years.

Workplace anxiety: Brace’s Bakery staff in Newport face an uncertain job future as directors discuss a potential buyer after earlier site-sale delays. Security & hiring scams: Five Eyes warns China is using LinkedIn and other job platforms to recruit spies, targeting government and military staff and people with privileged access. Employment rights tribunal: An Edinburgh Zoo zookeeper who quit after struggling to identify monkeys has lost a compensation bid, with the case centring on training and ADHD-related support. Skills pipeline: Lanarkshire pupils win a national award for workplace-readiness after completing a Powering Futures Challenge Programme with employer mentors. Youth mobility pressure: Social Mobility Day highlights concerns that climbing the career ladder is getting harder for less-advantaged backgrounds, with NEET and overqualification risks for young workers. Hospitality support: Octopus Energy pledges free electricity for pubs during England and Scotland World Cup games, aiming to ease cost pressure on venues. Armed forces recruitment uncertainty: Army Reserve basic training at Grantham faces an unresolved future after a review due to report in autumn 2026. Modern slavery case: A McDonald’s worker exploitation case leads to jail for those accused of forcing long shifts for virtually no pay.

Automation Shock in Retail: Asda plans to axe up to 1,000 warehouse roles as it shifts George clothing online operations to a single Derby site run by DHL, with about 1,250 staff transferring under TUPE but only around 250 jobs needed. Construction Job Pressure: New data shows UK construction activity shrinking at the fastest pace in six years, with housebuilding especially subdued, feeding further employment cuts. SME Redundancy Risk: Acas research says 21% of SMEs expect redundancies by early 2027 (rising to 46% for large firms), as employers weigh legal consultation changes. Youth Worklessness Focus: The NEET challenge is framed as a system failure, with projections warning the NEET share could worsen without urgent action. Espionage via Job Sites: Five Eyes warns Chinese spies are using LinkedIn, Upwork and Indeed to recruit people with access to sensitive info. Nissan-Chery UK Plans: Nissan and Chery sign a non-binding MoU to study making Chery passenger vehicles at Sunderland from 2027, with Nissan keeping ownership and staff. Workplace Culture Win: Westcon-Comstor earns Great Place To Work certification across 25 countries, citing fair treatment and inclusion.

Espionage & Hiring Risks: MI5 and Five Eyes warn Chinese military intelligence is using LinkedIn, Indeed and Upwork to post fake “analyst” jobs and lure UK government and military staff into sharing sensitive information. Youth Jobs Crunch: New research says “starter jobs” for 16–24s have halved in 10 years, with steep drops in HR, sales, marketing, retail and call centres—plus complaints about poor feedback. Labour Market Outlook: OECD forecasts Britain’s unemployment to jump to 5.5% this year, blaming slower labour demand amid higher minimum wages and weak growth. Big Employer Move: Nissan and Chery have signed a preliminary deal to explore making Chery vehicles at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, potentially supporting thousands of jobs. Major UK Investment: Universal’s Bedfordshire theme park is officially named Universal United Kingdom Resort, with government backing and plans for thousands of construction and long-term jobs. Benefits Enforcement: A Belfast woman was convicted of benefits fraud after claiming nearly £20,000 while working.

Labour-market pressure: The OECD warns Britain could face its biggest unemployment rise in the G7, with youth joblessness climbing and a “lost generation” risk as the economy slows. Economic drag: The BCC says UK growth stays subdued in 2026-27, while S&P Global reports services activity slipping in May as Iran-war pressures hit demand and costs. Hiring and pay rules: New IR35 guidance for SMEs highlights April 2026 small-company threshold changes, as firms weigh contractor costs and compliance. Workplace wellbeing: A study finds heatwaves worsen focus and motivation, with younger workers hit hardest and many preferring home working during hot spells. Retail jobs under strain: Bira’s retail crime survey shows theft up sharply and staff safety concerns rising, adding pressure on independent retailers’ ability to keep roles. AI at work: UK workers report “work slop” from low-quality AI content, costing hours to fix—pushing employers to improve training and controls. Recruitment boost: Greenvolt Next plans 50 jobs at Waterford HQ as renewable demand and CSRD reporting drive growth. Business rescue: Home Bargains is in talks to rescue Denby Pottery, after the 217-year-old brand entered administration, with jobs on the line.

NHS Workforce Strain: A Policy Exchange report says sick leave in the NHS is costing UK taxpayers £4.6bn a year, with absence rates far higher than private and other public workplaces, and longer absences rising sharply. Youth Jobs Pressure: New analysis highlights how remote work and hiring barriers are worsening youth unemployment, with warnings that young people are being left out of work, education or training. Hiring Costs Bite Family Firms: Family Business UK says Labour-era tax and minimum wage rises are pushing family employers to slow recruitment, warning of a “lost generation” risk. Local Authority Capacity: Carmarthenshire food standards officers face backlog and potential burnout due to shortages, with many hygiene inspections overdue. Charity Restructuring: YHA is offloading nine sites across England and Wales to streamline operations after pandemic and cost-of-living pressures. Net Zero Jobs Push: Britain set an 87% emissions cut target by 2040, linking cleaner power to energy bill control and job creation, but without a clear delivery plan yet. Public Sector Pay/Workload: Senior NHS doctors warn of “quiet quitting” and ballot industrial action amid burnout and retention concerns.

Hospitality Jobs Pressure: Tom Kerridge backs a petition urging a VAT cut to 10% for restaurants and pubs, aiming for a consumer push from 1 July and support from major trade bodies. Youth Employment Forecast: The British Chambers of Commerce warns unemployment could rise by 400,000+ by 2028, with youth joblessness forecast to hit 17.8% as entry-level roles get harder to create. Work Support Funding: Shaw Trust has been appointed to deliver the Government’s Connect to Work programme in Hull and East Yorkshire, backed by £11.7m to help people with health barriers into jobs from 1 July. Retail Restructuring: Morrisons confirms seven Morrisons Daily store closures (four in Teesside/Yorkshire), as it plans to shut 100 shops this year. Skills & Training Investment: Lantra calls for urgent action to close skills gaps in the land-based sector, citing 452,900 jobs supported and a growing shortage. Local Hiring Boost: Carousel Buses offers a £4,000 joining bonus for new drivers at a recruitment day in High Wycombe on 7 June. Business Growth in Manufacturing: Nomad Foods invests £2.2m in a new potato waffle line at its Lowestoft factory, adding capacity and supporting UK supply.

Employment Law Shake-Up: The UK’s Employment Rights Act 2025 is set to reshape HR planning from 2026–27, with a new statutory right for trade unions to access workplaces and fewer procedural hurdles for recognition and industrial action. Youth Jobs Pressure: New data shows UK youth unemployment at 16.2% (729,000 aged 16–24 unemployed) and around one million NEETs, as hiring slows and retail/hospitality cut entry-level roles. Work Experience Boost: Government is rolling out 300,000 new work placements and sector programmes under the Youth Guarantee, aiming to move young people into sustained work. Cost-of-Living Support Rules: HMRC’s three-month backdating limit for Child Benefit could cost families up to £1,054.95 if claims are late, while Scotland opens a Best Start Grant school-age payment worth £331.95 per child. Care Sector Hiring: Caremark opens its first Scottish franchise in Edinburgh, recruiting for home-care roles to support NHS referrals and hospital discharge. Workplace Equality: Menopause and perimenopause workplace support is being pushed via new guidance and training expectations for employers.

Youth jobs pressure: A DWP-commissioned Milburn interim review warns nearly 1m young people (16-24) are NEET, with entry routes weakening as hiring gets more digital and automated. Retail and hospitality hit: Pub bosses say Labour’s employer NICs and higher minimum wages are adding thousands to the cost of hiring young workers, while chefs warn closures are accelerating at “three a day,” threatening first-job pipelines. Recruitment tech debate: A UK/US survey flags an “AI hiring paradox” where managers prioritise AI fluency but still make poor hires—pushing calls for real skills checks. Manufacturing signal: UK manufacturing PMI rose to a four-year high in May, but firms warn the bounce may fade as clients front-load orders amid Iran-war and supply-chain strain. Employer compliance costs: HMRC confirms Making Tax Digital quarterly deadlines from August, with penalty points leading to £200 fines. Local jobs news: Saddleback, a UK cycling distributor, collapsed into administration with 42 redundancies; and Adnams closed five shops after sustained cost pressures. Workplace support: Universal Credit claimants will get an extra £150 Warm Home Discount boost.

Youth Unemployment Crisis: A government-commissioned review warns the UK risks a “lost generation” as NEETs (16–24 not in work or training) top one million for the first time since 2013, with a possible rise to 1.25m within five years; Alan Milburn says the door to opportunity is closing and Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledges action with Milburn. Jobs & Skills Policy: Ruth Sunderland argues the fix is deeper than subsidised placements, saying NEETs are tied to de-industrialisation and calling for re-industrialisation and defence-led investment to create high-value manufacturing work. Rail Workforce: The TUC warns nationalisation of GTR could create a “two-tier workforce”, with outsourced staff still facing precarious terms while contractors profit—pushing for insourcing and equal conditions. Defence Procurement: Plans to force foreign defence winners to create British jobs via a new “offset” policy are being developed, aiming to expand apprenticeships, factories and UK supply-chain use. Employment Risk in Education: DBS data shows criminals including a murderer and child sex offenders applied for school or nursery roles, renewing calls for stronger safeguarding and vetting. Business Restructuring: LEON secured a CVA after administration, safeguarding 530+ jobs as it exits with 43 restaurants.

Youth Unemployment Push: Former M&S boss Marc Bolland is set to lead a DWP summit of business leaders to tackle the “Neets” crisis, as Alan Milburn warns youth joblessness could hit 1.25m without urgent action, with government backing for 300,000 work experience and training placements. Cost Pressures on Hiring: UK firms and households are feeling the squeeze as Middle East-linked disruption lifts energy and shipping costs; job vacancies fell to a five-year low and retail sales dropped sharply, raising fears of more inflation and slower hiring. AI and Work: A new explainer looks at how AI has moved from novelty to everyday infrastructure, with knock-on effects for jobs, regulation, privacy and security. Net Zero vs Industry Jobs: Construction and aluminium leaders warn Ed Miliband’s net zero approach could raise energy costs, weaken UK steel and aluminium competitiveness, and push jobs overseas. Remote Hiring: The world’s most remote post office near Antarctica is recruiting two staff for a six-month contract, paying about £28,380 pro rata. Local Economy Signals: A planning bid for a new industrial unit in Bromsgrove pitches job creation as industrial space remains tight.

Youth Jobs & Skills: The DWP is pushing a “quiet crisis” response with 300,000 extra work experience and training placements over three years, including sector-based programmes with guaranteed interviews, as Neet numbers top one million and Alan Milburn warns many young people face a work-experience catch-22. AI & Hiring Anxiety: A new report highlights how employers sell AI adoption while also linking job cuts to AI, leaving workers more fearful and less willing to engage. Workplace Rights: Labour ministers are being urged to ban zero-hours contracts, with analysis putting 1.23m people on them, arguing insecure hours worsen child poverty and make it harder to challenge bad treatment. Universal Credit Pressure: A thinktank says hitting the government’s 80% employment target could cut Universal Credit costs by £10bn, shifting focus from benefits to decent jobs. Local Growth & Jobs: A Scunthorpe sealing specialist secured a seven-figure HSBC funding deal to expand and create new roles, while Manchester councils plan to expand city-centre boundaries to drive jobs and housing. Cost of Living for Parents: Parents are reportedly paying up to £30,000 for coaching to beat AI screening in the graduate job market.

AI Hiring Compliance: The ICO has closed its consultation on automated recruitment after finding many UK employers using AI to screen and score candidates are effectively making decisions themselves, not just “supporting” humans—16 firms have already committed to act. Youth Jobs Pressure: A government split is growing over how fast to raise the minimum wage for 18-20 year-olds as youth unemployment tops 1m and a Milburn review warns the “lost generation” risk is costing the UK £125bn a year. HMRC Tax Rules: Self-employed workers face an August 7 deadline to start quarterly digital tax updates under Making Tax Digital, with HMRC warning of £200 fines. Workplace Tech in Borders: The Home Office is moving facial age estimation into asylum assessments, using a new £322k contract—raising fresh concerns about children’s rights and AI use. Jobs Impact in Industry: Nissan has cancelled EV powertrain localisation plans at Sunderland, putting future high-skilled jobs in doubt. Administration & Redundancies: BrandAlley has entered administration, with 75 jobs lost (88 of 163 employees retained). Health & Research Collaboration: The UK and France are partnering on AI-enabled women’s health research with Oxford and Paris Cité among the institutions.