5 important things happening in the UK today

Here are 5 important things happening in the UK today, Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Changes planned for UK energy bills: Every energy billpayer will be offered a low standing charge tariff by the end of January, under new plans, but the cost of energy bills is unlikely to fall. Those who use relatively little gas and electricity say they have no control over the fixed daily charges, which cover the cost of connecting to a gas and electricity supply. [BBC]

Retailers sound alarm over Christmas: British retailers are bracing for a bumpy Christmas. With the cost of living creeping up again and a government budget scheduled to land in the midst of the festive shopping season, the so-called golden quarter may be somewhat tarnished. [Bloomberg]

More UK workers expected back in the office: Most new recruits to white-collar jobs are required to spend at least two or three days a week in the office, while roles requiring just one office day are dying out, according to an analysis of job postings. Hybrid work – where staff split their time between the office and another location, such as their home – has cemented itself as the new normal for millions of workers since the Covid-19 pandemic. [Guardian]

Expect a longer wait for bin collections: Millions of people in England face extended waits between rubbish collections as a growing number of councils plan switches to three-weekly systems. More than two million people will have to wait an extra week for non-recyclable waste to be collected in the next year in changes that councils claim will improve recycling rates despite warnings of increases in fly-tipping. [Times]