Economic News
UK taken to Europe's highest court over excessive pollution
The European Commission is dragging the UK along with Germany, France, Italy, Romania and Hungary before its highest court for breaching legal limits on levels of pollution and for failing to meet the caps set by Brussels on emissions of nitrogen dioxide.
Oil reaches $80 mark for the first time since 2014
A warning from the head of France's Total that it will stop development of a key Iranian gas field has pushed oil prices back above $80 a barrel for the first time since 2014.
US Philly Fed index rockets in May, hiring strengthens
Perhaps the most closely-followed lead indicator for factory sector activity in the States jumped past forecasts in May as new orders rocketed.
Downing Street dismisses reports UK will stay in customs union past 2021
Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday dismissed a media report the government is planning for the UK to stay in the European customs union after 2021.
UK govt launches fracking fund and planning service to help councils, developers
To speed planning permission for fracking projects in England, ministers have launched a fund to help local authorities deal with shale applications and a new 'planning brokerage service' to help both developers and local authorities with the application process.
US weekly unemployment claims increase by more than expected
US jobless claims for last week increased by moderately more than markets were expecting.
NHS outsourcing deal with Capita 'put patients at risk'
Outsourcing NHS services to private company Capita is resulting in “widespread failures”, the UK’s spending watchdog has said.