Economy

Sir Philip Green's retail empire Arcadia, which includes Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins, is understood to be on the brink of collapse. Sir Philip had been in talks with potential lenders about borrowing £30m to help the business…

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a "global mechanism" that would use QR codes to open up international travel. "We need to further harmonise policies and standards and establish 'fast tracks' to facilitate the orderly flow of…

Some of the UK's biggest food companies have attacked a plan that could see all online junk food advertising banned to tackle childhood obesity. In a letter to the prime minister, bosses of firms including Britvic, Kellogg's and Mars…

At this time in November, 34-year-old Serrah Russell would normally be fielding a tonne of text messages as her family plotted out kitchen logistics and contributions for the Thanksgiving feast. But Covid concerns have cancelled the big…

China is to make the first attempt to retrieve rocks from the Moon since the 1970s. It is hoped the unmanned Chang'e-5 probe, to be launched on Tuesday, will bring back samples to help understand the Moon's origin and formation. The…

Millions of public sector workers in England could face a pay freeze next year, the BBC has learned. The 5.5 million affected include key workers lauded for their service during the pandemic, from the armed forces and police, to…

Online news and lifestyle site Buzzfeed is taking over the Huffington Post in a deal that brings together two of the most high-profile digital media firms. Seller Verizon Media will become a minority shareholder in Buzzfeed as part of…

Heathrow workers plan a four-day strike in December in protest at wage cuts. The airport says it will keep operating despite the walk-out by workers including firefighters and baggage handlers. Heathrow warned in September it wants…

Some British ports will find it "impossible" to carry out checks on fresh food and plant imports in the event of a no-deal Brexit, industry groups have warned parliament. Ports around the UK face fundamental changes to customs…

Fifteen countries have formed the world's largest trading bloc, covering nearly a third of the global economy. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is made up of 10 Southeast Asian countries, as well as South Korea,…