5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, 5 September 2025.

Reeves accused of wasting billions in taxpayer money with debt binge: Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been accused of wasting taxpayers’ money through an “arrogant” approach to borrowing from international debt markets. Economists believe the Chancellor could save billions of pounds by the end of the decade if she copied the US Treasury and opted to borrow more money via cheaper, short-term debt. Instead, the Government continues to raise billions by borrowing over 10, 20, and 30-year terms that lock in high borrowing costs for decades. [Telegraph]

UK businesses cut jobs at the fastest pace since 2021: UK businesses cut jobs at the fastest pace for four years this summer and reported the worst employment outlook since the pandemic, pointing to the continuing impact of Chancellor Reeves’ decision to raise payroll taxes. British companies reduced employment by an annual rate of 0.5 per cent in the three months to August, the worst figure since 2021, according to a Bank of England survey of chief financial officers published on Thursday. [Financial Times]

Strikes to bring the London tube to a halt for four days: Strikes by tube staff are due to start on Friday, in a series of walkouts that are expected to close the London Underground entirely for four days from Monday. Londoners have been urged to check before travel next week, with virtually no tube services expected to run and other transport in the capital likely to be affected by crowding and congestion. [Guardian]

Jaguar Land Rover staff to stay at home after cyber attack: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has instructed factory staff to stay at home until at least Tuesday as the company continues to grapple with the fallout from a cyber attack. The attack at the weekend forced the company to take vital IT systems offline, which has affected car sales and production. [BBC]