Category: 3. Business

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Thousands of people at risk of dropping out of work will be given more support to stay in their jobs thanks to new Government-funded occupational health training for 5,000 line managers working in small businesses.

The free training funded by the Department for Work and Pensions comes as part of the Government’s drive to tackle workplace sickness and will be made available to small and medium sized businesses across England, helping them to better support staff and identify health-related issues early.

It will help tackle the inherited issue of more than 2.8 million people signed off long-term sick – one of the highest rates in the G7 – while the Keep Britain Working Review found 800,000 more working-age adults are out of work due to sickness than in 2019.

The cost of ill-health to small businesses is stark, as replacing an employee lost to ill-health costs over £11,000, while every sickness absence day costs businesses around £120 in lost profit.

The free training – led by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – will give line managers the practical skills they need to recognise early signs that someone they’re managing needs help, so they can have supportive conversations about health and workplace adjustments. Persistent fatigue, behaviour changes, and increased absence will be some of the signs managers will be trained to spot and step in early to support people, so they have better ways forward to continue in work.

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said:

Too often, small businesses lose skilled staff to health issues without the tools to support them – and that doesn’t help anyone.

This free training changes that. It gives line managers the confidence to have the right conversations and make the adjustments that could help keep people in work.

When small businesses support their staff to stay at work healthy, everyone wins – employees, businesses, and our economy.

Currently, only 21% of SMEs provide training for line managers on ways to improve employees’ health and wellbeing, compared to 76 percent of large employers. While smaller businesses often have less capacity to offer this kind of training, with tighter budgets and fewer dedicated HR resources, the evidence is encouraging: among SMEs that have been able to provide such training, 79 percent report it is effective in preventing employee ill health.

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

We are pleased to see DWP devoting funds to upskilling SMEs on occupational health issues for their staff. Employee welfare is a priority for small firms, but we know that training courses about it can be put out of reach at a time of rising cost pressures.

We welcome that around 5,000 SMEs should be better placed to look after the health of their employees, avoid sickness absence, and help them thrive in the workplace.

Between January and March 2026, DWP will fund up to £800,000 worth of IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing training for line managers in SMEs which will:

• Enhance understanding of occupational health services and referral processes.
• Build confidence in supporting employees with physical and mental health conditions.
• Promote early intervention and better support under the Equality Act 2010.
• Have effective conversations about workplace adjustments and reasonable support.

David Tomlinson, Health and Safety Business Partner at University of Lincoln, who has completed the course said:

I really enjoyed this course. It provided valuable insight into what can be a challenging issue for us as an employer. And it’s given us greater confidence to help us shape our approach to occupational health and wellbeing at work.

This funding bolsters the Government’s flagship Small Business Plan which was launched alongside the Business Growth Service earlier this year. It also follows a range of measures introduced to deliver for small business including:

• Raising the rate when small businesses start to pay national insurance.
• Putting more money in customers’ pockets by taking £150 off energy bills, and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.
• Making training for under-25 apprenticeships free for small businesses.
• Tackling late payments with the strongest reforms in 25 years, going further than any previous government.
• Slashing electricity prices for thousands of manufacturing businesses.

Additional information

About the Renault 4
Provenance: Maubeuge, France
Price: €36,700
Range: 409km
Top speed: 150km/h
Capacity: 5 people

A “head-turner” typically has sporty flanks: beguiling curves that envelop a growling engine. Then there’s the other sort that’s about making the everyday more toothsome than bothersome. You could say that a car revived from history’s drawing board, such as the Renault 4 – which hit the market in July 2025 – is an exercise in nostalgia. Or you could just call it cute. Either way, the all-electric R4 (abbreviated for your busy life) is a head-turner, a charming example of beauty combined with utility.

Monocle collects the R4 that we’re testing from Renault’s historic citadel in Paris’s southwestern suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. We are but a honk of the horn from the Île Seguin factory that patted the first of some eight million 4s on their boxy little derrières from 1961 to 1992, before sending them putt-putting out into the world. That 4 was the second-bestselling Renault ever so the sight of its reincarnation is cause for many a wave or indulgent smile from Parisians both four-wheeled and perambulatory.

From its box-on-a-box silhouette to its bright-eyed face and retro rear lights, the R4 shows us that it’s happy (earning it a couple of stars). It remembers the family roadtrips to Biarritz with the dog in the boot and surfboards on the roof but it’s mostly looking the other way, to the future – in our case, northwest along the Seine out of Paris.

To make speedy headway, we take the big, boring A13, which provides a good opportunity to inspect the R4’s interior while not looking at the road (it’s got “driver aids”, chill out). You’re mini-SUV high, which makes things easy, and there’s a lot of room – you could take a lot of dogs to Biarritz (yes, this is now the measure of automotive spaciousness). The infotainment system is fine but, as ever, please, designers, use more knobs and fewer swipes.

Once in the Normandy countryside, we wind the little chap uphill and then down a dale to see what the car’s “Sport” mode is like. And it’s good: a subtle tightening of the steering makes the already-nimble vehicle nicely supple, while the electric motor loses any hint of Golf Cart Syndrome to deliver its power like a petrol engine – gradually, properly, via the right pedal. It’s great fun. Four étoiles d’or for liveliness.

After a sunny lunch and much Sporting about, we realise that our battery life (typically offering some 254 miles or 409km; approximately the distance from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel) is diminishing and so head back to Paris. The traffic, though, is too clogged so we park next to the Panthéon for a little out-of-the-boot picnic. Students, tourists and gendarmes come over to offer a nod of approval – especially for the Tricolore-tastic elastic boot strap that is ideal for securing a baguette and a bottle of wine on a cross-country drive. Such consideration earns three more gold stars for our R4.

Renault’s former design chief, Gilles Vidal, and his team, have done a wonderful job. The R4 is bigger than it seems, almost as fun as an old-school hot hatch and clever about where it sits on the retro-future see-saw. I make that a nine. And nine out of four ain’t bad.

According to the CAA, the new rules are designed to be easier to understand, as well as allow for “safe expansion” of drones across the UK.

Its requirements also apply to children, but vary for different age groups.

Children under the age of 13 must obtain a Flyer ID and have a parent or guardian present when completing the free flyer theory test to get one.

Meanwhile those aged 12 or younger must be supervised by someone over 16 to fly drones, with parents also required to obtain an Operator ID.

The CAA also wants existing drone owners and ID holders to acquaint themselves with the rules, which sets out where drones should not be flown and how to protect peoples’ privacy when piloting those equipped with cameras.

It says flying a drone or model aircraft without necessary IDs is against the law, and punishable by fines or, in severe cases, with prison sentences.

But Dr Alan McKenna, a law lecturer at the University of Kent, said effective enforcement would likely be “a case of resources”.

He told the BBC while he believed most people would seek to abide by new UK requirements for flying drones outdoors, some may look to “fly under the radar”.

“You’re always going to get people who make mistakes or can’t be bothered,” Dr McKenna said – adding concerns about the impact of rising drone use on the environment, privacy and safety were “wider issues” at play.

Many in the UK who unwrapped a new drone this Christmas may face a rude awakening next week, when they will have to take a theory test before being allowed to fly outdoors.

From 1 January, those intending to fly drones or model aircraft weighing 100g or more outside must complete a Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) online theory test to get a Flyer ID – something previously only needed for heavier drones.

The regulator believes up to half a million people in the UK may be impacted by its new requirements.

CAA spokesperson Jonathan Nicholson said with drones becoming a “common Christmas present” it was important people knew how to comply with the law.

“With the new drone rules coming into force this week, all drone users must register, get a Flyer ID and follow the regulations,” he said.

“We want people to enjoy their drones but it’s vital that they have checked the new rules and know how and where to operate their drone safely before they fly.”

The CAA’s requirements are based on the weight or class of drones and model aircraft.

Where previously a Flyer ID was only required for devices weighing 250g or more, it will soon be required to fly a drone weighing 100g or more outdoors.

In addition to completing a theory test to obtain a five year Flyer ID licence, those who own a drone weighing 100g or more with a camera must also register with the CAA to get an Operator ID.

According to the CAA, the new rules are designed to be easier to understand, as well as allow for “safe expansion” of drones across the UK.

Its requirements also apply to children, but vary for different age groups.

Children under the age of 13 must obtain a Flyer ID and have a parent or guardian present when completing the free flyer theory test to get one.

Meanwhile those aged 12 or younger must be supervised by someone over 16 to fly drones, with parents also required to obtain an Operator ID.

The CAA also wants existing drone owners and ID holders to acquaint themselves with the rules, which sets out where drones should not be flown and how to protect peoples’ privacy when piloting those equipped with cameras.

It says flying a drone or model aircraft without necessary IDs is against the law, and punishable by fines or, in severe cases, with prison sentences.

But Dr Alan McKenna, a law lecturer at the University of Kent, said effective enforcement would likely be “a case of resources”.

He told the BBC while he believed most people would seek to abide by new UK requirements for flying drones outdoors, some may look to “fly under the radar”.

“You’re always going to get people who make mistakes or can’t be bothered,” Dr McKenna said – adding concerns about the impact of rising drone use on the environment, privacy and safety were “wider issues” at play.

A raft of major UK retail and hospitality brands shut down stores across the UK this year, with other high street mainstays closing their doors for good.

It came amid a backdrop of pressure on consumer finances, rising inflation for most of the year and increased costs for businesses.

As a result, numerous businesses launched restructuring efforts or entered administration.

Here are some of the major brands with closed sites across this year:

– Poundland

Poundland is among chains to have suffered over the year from pressure on shoppers despite its value proposition.

The group was sold for £1 as a result and launched a major restructuring plan.

This involved the initial closure of 57 stores in a move which put more than 1,000 jobs at risk.

The company, which was bought by investment firm Gordon Brothers, has since announced further tranches of closures and is set to have shut more than 100 sites by the start of 2026, as part of efforts to trim its estate from around 800 sites to between 650 and 700 shops.

– WH Smith

WH Smith had been a stalwart of UK high streets since its first store opened in 1792, selling everything from crime fiction to confectionery.

However, the brand disappeared from the high street after the group sold off all its UK high street retail shops to private equity company Modella Capital to focus on its travel locations, where it will still operate under the brand.

As a result, Modella revealed plans to rebrand the chain as TGJones.

As it pushed forward with efforts to sell off the high street arm, the group pushed forward with the closure of 20 stores.

– Claire’s

The UK arm of fashion accessories business Claire’s tumbled into administration this year after its US owner entered bankruptcy.

Modella Capital once again appeared in the picture, striking a deal to save 156 stores.

However, 145 shops – employing around 1,000 workers – were not part of the deal and closed as a result.

– Pizza Hut

In October, Pizza Hut confirmed that 68 of the brand’s UK restaurants would shut after the business running its franchise in the country entered administration.

It also shut 11 delivery sites as part of a restructuring which put 1,210 workers at risk of redundancy.

DC London Pie, the firm running Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in restaurants, appointed administrators after being impacted by a slowdown in the sector.

American hospitality giant Yum! Brands, which owns the global Pizza Hut business, bought the remaining UK restaurant operation in a rescue deal, saving 64 sites.

– Bodycare

Bodycare was among the brands to disappear from UK high streets for good after it shut all its roughly 150 stores.

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The retailer was founded in 1970 in Lancashire and sold beauty products, fragrances and other bathroom items.

It employed as many as 1,000 people early this year but came under pressure from rising costs and a shortfall in funding, which also affected supplier relationships and led to stock shortages.

– Quiz Clothing

Fashion chain Quiz shut 23 of its stores after entering administration in February, in a move which hit around 200 workers.

It closed the shops despite being bought in a pre-pack administration deal by a subsidiary of the founding Ramzan family.

Quiz had started the year searching for emergency funding but fell into insolvency after failing to secure a deal.

– Leon

Leon is closing around 20 of its restaurants after launching a major restructuring in December.

The company said it will shut the doors of the worst-performing of its 71 stores.

It came after the group was bought back by co-founder John Vincent from supermarket group Asda.

– Select Fashion

Select Fashion was another chain to cease trading in 2025, after the womenswear business came under pressure from growing losses.

The business closed all its roughly 80 stores earlier this year and entered liquidation after failing to find a buyer.

– Homebase

Home improvement firm Homebase shut 65 shops between January and March after falling into administration late in 2024.

Retail group CDS, run by The Range owner Chris Dawson, snapped up the brand but was unable to save all its stores.

Bosses at Homebase have said recent years were “incredibly challenging” for DIY stores, blaming “a decline in consumer confidence and spending” after the pandemic.

– New Look

Elsewhere in retail, high street fashion chain New Look shut 15 of its stores in the UK over the year.

The group also revealed that it would exit the Republic of Ireland, shutting all its 26 shops in the country, hitting 347 workers, in the face of squeezed consumer spending.

– Starbucks

In September, Starbucks launched an overhaul which resulted in the closure of some of its UK coffee shops.

The group did not disclose exactly how many sites would shut but closed 10 locations in October as part of the process.

– Fired Earth

Upmarket tile retailer Fired Earth slid into administration in October, resulting in the closure of its 20 UK showrooms, and 133 job cuts.

Rival Topps Tiles bought the Fired Earth brand, IP, website and around £2.5 million worth of stock but could not save any of the chain’s stores.

– Brewdog bars

Scottish craft brewery and bar business Brewdog shut 10 of its sites in July, including its first-ever venue in Aberdeen.

The closure plan, which was part of a shake-up of Brewdog’s hospitality arm, put almost 100 jobs at risk.

– Monki

At the start of the year, European fashion giant H&M announced plans to close its seven stores under its Monki brand.

It said a “limited number” of these would be transformed into its sister brand Weekday but still closed a number of shops permanently.

– River Island

Retail chain River Island shut 33 shops as part of a restructuring to help support its future.

The fashion group pushed through a formal restructuring plan amid fears that the company could collapse into administration without action.

It also secured rent reductions on 71 other stores as part of the plan.

– Hobbycraft

In April, the arts and craft retailer revealed plans to shut nine of its stores, in a move it said would hit up to 126 workers.

It comes after Modella Capital bought the retail business last year.

Wall Street finished little changed in light trading on Friday, rounding out a week of gains after a strong run earlier in the period. With few major economic updates and many investors still away for the holidays, markets showed little urgency to move sharply in either direction.

According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 slipped 2.05 points, or 0.03 per cent, to close at 6,930.00. The Nasdaq Composite fell 20.21 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 23,593.10, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average eased 19.70 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 48,711.46.

Despite the flat finish, all three major indexes recorded weekly gains.

“We had a very strong five-day rally, so in a way we’re just simply catching our breath today after the holiday,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group in Omaha.

“This is only day two of the official Santa Claus rally period, so we still have some time, and we think there’s going to be a little more upward bias going forward.”

What is the ‘Santa Claus rally period’ and why does it matter?

The rally period Detrick refers to spans the final five trading days of the year and the first two sessions of the new year. Historically, gains during this window have often been seen as a positive signal for market performance in the year ahead.

This year, the period began mid-week and runs through to 5 January, placing markets in a transitional phase where volumes are thin but expectations remain high.

Just three trading days remain in a volatile year that has tested investors with tariff concerns, ongoing geopolitical tensions and sharp swings driven by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence-linked stocks. Even so, all three major US indexes — led by the tech-heavy Nasdaq — are on track to post double-digit gains for the year.

“It’s a good reminder for investors that volatility is the toll we pay to get the solid gains we’ve seen in the last three years,” Detrick said.

“Odds are, 2026 is not going to be the first year in history with no volatility and no bad headlines. So you prepare yourself.”

Sector and stock moves

Of the 11 sectors in the S&P 500, materials posted the strongest percentage gain on Friday, while consumer discretionary stocks lagged.

Over the year so far, communication services, technology and industrials have outperformed the broader market. Real estate is the only sector expected to finish 2025 in negative territory.

Nvidia rose 1.0 per cent after the AI chipmaker agreed to license chip technology from startup Groq and hire its chief executive. Target climbed 3.1 per cent after the Financial Times reported the retailer is facing pressure from hedge fund Toms Capital Investment Management, which has taken a significant stake in the company.

US-listed precious metals miners including First Majestic, Coeur Mining and Endeavour Silver rose between 1.2 per cent and 3.0 per cent, as gold and silver prices reached fresh record highs.

Market breadth and volume

On the New York Stock Exchange, advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by a ratio of 1.13 to one. The exchange recorded 342 new highs and 66 new lows.

On the Nasdaq, declines were more common, with 1,968 stocks rising and 2,605 falling. The index logged 46 new highs and 166 new lows.

Trading volumes remained subdued, with about 10.22 billion shares changing hands across US exchanges. That was well below the 20-day average of 15.98 billion shares, reflecting the ongoing holiday slowdown.