Supermarket explains why they are already selling Christmas items
Social media users shared images of seasonal treats like Maltesers Mini Reindeers and Haribo Merry Mix already on display.
The supermarket stated that the early availability aims to help customers spread the cost of Christmas.
An industry expert suggested that this strategy could boost sales, as consumers might buy items early and then repurchase closer to Christmas.
The move comes amidst predictions of rising food inflation, with the British Retail Consortium forecasting a 6 per cent increase by year-end, posing challenges for household budgets.
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The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
National Living Wage predicted to rise higher than expected
The national living wage could rise to as much as £12.86 an hour next year, the official advisory committee has estimated, as it gives new details on its annual review on the figure. The Low Pay Commission (LPC) says ministers are committed to delivering a 'genuine living wage' in its latest remit report, which lays out the minimum that Britain's minimum wage workers must be paid. Currently, the national living wage is £12.21 an hour, equalling £451.77 a week. The LPC estimating that this will need to increase to £12.71 an hour in 2026 to not fall below two-thirds of median earnings, which is the threshold the government expects it to stay above. But this could fluctuate between as much as £12.86 an hour, or as little as £12.55 an hour, depending on changing economic conditions. Across a 37-hour week, £12.86 an hour would mean £475.82 a week, up £24.05 from this year's rate. Across a year, this would be £1,250.60 more in an employee's pocket. At the lower end, a rise to £12.55 an hour would equal £464.35, a weekly increase of £12.58. This would mean a much lower £654.16 more at the end of the year. Founded in 1997, the LPC delivers recommendations to ministers each autumn regarding how it believes the minimum wage should be changed. The government ultimately sets minimum wage rates for the following April after this advice. A letter from deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the committee must take into account the cost of living as it reviews the national living wage. The two senior ministers insisted the government was 'committed to ensuring that the minimum wage is a genuine living wage'. They added: 'We continue to recognise that our ambition should be backed by evidence, and that the minimum wage rate should be consistent with delivering inclusive growth for working people and businesses alike. 'We are therefore asking the LPC to recommend a national living wage rate that is at least two-thirds of UK median earnings for workers aged 21 and over, to apply from next April, which takes into account the cost of living, effects on employment and developments in the wider economy.' Elsewhere, the government is pushing forward with plans to end 'discriminatory' age banding for the minimum wage, and has extended the LPC's remit to examine this. It said the LPC will consult with employers, trade unions and workers on narrowing the gap between the national living wage and the minimum wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds, which is currently £10. There is also a minimum wage for those aged under 18, and apprentices, of £7.55. The LPC will report back in October with advice to the government on how much the minimum wage should rise by in 2026. The Resolution Foundation, a think tank which works to improve living standards, suggested the government was using 'ambitious language' on increasing the minimum wage, but in reality was adopting a cautious approach. Nye Cominetti, principal economist at the think tank, said: 'Despite the Government's ambitious language around 'delivering a genuine living wage', the new remit for the Low Pay Commission represents a steady-as-she-goes approach to the adult rate, after faster increases in the years preceding 2024. 'This caution is warranted given worrying labour market data, which is thanks in part to the Government's increase in employer national insurance contributions in April.'
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Bupa boosted by elderly care and UK private health boom
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BBC News
6 minutes ago
- BBC News
Bank of England expected to cut interest rates as latest decision due
Update: Date: 10:09 BST Title: It's likely to be a close call Content: Dharshini DavidDeputy economics editor With growing evidence that the economy has been under pressure, the Bank of England is expected to bring relief for millions of borrowers. However, the decision is likely to be close. The Bank's job to get inflation down to its 2% target and keep it there - at a time when inflation looks likely to remain above that level for some time - has had to be considered amid concerns about a deteriorating jobs market. Many businesses – from hospitality to construction - claim to be struggling because of higher taxes and minimum wage rates. The Bank's own survey suggests that rethinking employment plans or reducing pay rises are among the responses such firms are using. Figures next week are also expected to show that the economy barely expanded between April and June, the second quarter of the year. The uncertainty over the shape of US President Donald Trump's trade policy has at least been reduced. But as the panel weighs up competing risks, economists warn that after today the next rate cut may not follow for many months – and it remains unclear how low rates may fall. Update: Date: 10:01 BST Title: What are interest rates? Content: Michael RaceBusiness and economics reporter Put simply, interest is the extra amount you get charged when you borrow money. Say someone lends you £10 at a 10% interest rate, you'll pay them back £11 - the £10 you borrowed, plus an extra £1 in interest (10% of £10). The Bank of England's base interest rate, which is being set today, dictates what rates most high street banks and lenders set for things - ranging from mortgages to credit cards and savings accounts. When the Bank puts up its rate, it gets more expensive to borrow money, but it also means that returns on savings accounts, which accrue interest, go up. When rates drop, as they are expected to today, borrowing becomes cheaper and saving rates typically go down. The Bank of England's job is to keep inflation, which is the rate prices rise at for goods and services, at an annual rate of 2%. It uses interest rates to try to keep it at that level. When rates rise, people tend to spend less and save more. That slows the demand for goods and services, which can limit price rises and thus cool inflation. Update: Date: 09:59 BST Title: Bank of England expected to cut interest rates Content: The Bank of England is expected to announce a cut in interest rates at midday. Interest rates dictate what most high street banks and lenders charge for borrowing money - ranging from credit cards to mortgages. Markets predict the Bank will reduce interest rates to 4% from 4.25% in its fifth cut since last August, and if rates drop it will be the third time they have done so this year. A lower base rate can reduce monthly mortgage costs for some homeowners but it also means a smaller return for savers. We're expecting the announcement at 12:00 BST, and we have writers in the newsroom and at the Bank of England poised to bring you the latest updates and analysis. Stick with us.
