Employers lobby group says business activity is falling with most firms expecting worse to come

Business activity across the UK private sector declined in the last three months, a survey has found, as weak consumer spending hits companies.

The latest growth indicator produced by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that UK private sector activity fell again in the three months to February, at a faster rate than in the quarter to January.

TUC says proposals on copyright and AI framework must go further to stop exploitation by ‘rapacious tech bosses’

Action is needed to protect workers in creative industries amid huge changes in technology and artificial intelligence, unions have urged.

The TUC said there was an urgent need to put in place “proper guardrails” for workers ranging from artists, writers and journalists to teachers and academics.

Exclusive: Housing minister says overhaul of feudal-era system would take place before end of this parliament

The housing minister has promised to abolish the centuries-old leasehold system in England and Wales before the end of this parliament, as the government takes the next steps towards an outright ban on new leasehold developments.

Matthew Pennycook said he was committed to ending the feudal-era system – which applies to 5m homes in England – after years of complaints from leaseholders about crippling service charges and crumbling buildings.

• Midfielder sustained serious knee injury in September
• ‘Maybe in the Premier League, it’s going to happen’

Rodri could be back in action before the end of the Premier League season according to the Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.

The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, who was initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage in September, returned to individual training this week. While Rodri has spoken optimistically of playing again this term, Guardiola has been far more cautious, suggesting it was not worth the risk even if possible.

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Residents warned to prepare food and water and secure properties as BoM predicts Alfred will make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales

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Residents in two states have now been urged to prepare, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning Tropical Cyclone Alfred could make landfall anywhere between Bundaberg and northern New South Wales.

The Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, said residents of southeast Queensland should be preparing “canned food and bottled water” as forecasters expect Alfred to shift towards large population centres in the coming days.