Today’s growth figures beat City expectations two weeks before the chancellor’s first budget. Elsewhere, there are delays on the M60 in Greater Manchester and a warning for anyone paying for job opportunities in healthcare.
Economy grows in August against forecasts
Office for National Statistics figures show UK GDP rose by 0.1% in August, down from 0.4% growth in July, even though consumer spending fell. City economists had expected the economy to shrink by 0.1%, so the result gives Chancellor John Healey some good news a fortnight before his first budget. That budget could shape taxes and household costs for the coming year, so it is worth following if you live and work in the UK.
Source: The Guardian
M60 closure causes long delays around Manchester
Part of the M60 in Greater Manchester is closed while police deal with an incident, and traffic delays are heavy. A separate crash is also causing queues. If you are driving around Manchester today, check live traffic updates before you set off and plan extra time.
Source: Manchester Evening News
People report paying thousands for healthcare jobs that never came
Apurv Patel is one of several people who say they paid a company thousands of pounds for healthcare job opportunities that never appeared. Many internationals look for work in UK healthcare, so be cautious with any company that asks for large upfront payments in return for a job.
Source: BBC London
Reform councillors quit after ITV investigation
Reform councillors in the Midlands have resigned after an ITV investigation filmed them making extreme racist and sexist comments. Labour called the findings “truly sickening”. The story raises questions about the conduct of the people elected to run local services.
Source: BirminghamLive
Sally Rooney’s books withdrawn from sale in the UK
Books by the Irish writer Sally Rooney have been withdrawn in the UK because of her support for Palestine Action. She is best known for novels including Normal People, Intermezzo and Conversations With Friends.
Source: BBC News
Minister criticises Trump’s tiger video after fatal mauling
The UK government has criticised Donald Trump for a tiger video he posted after a man was mauled to death at a wildlife park. Skills minister Baroness Smith called the US president’s clip “enormously hurtful” and said he should show respect.
Source: Evening Standard
UK Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- BBC London: 'I paid thousands to a company for healthcare jobs that didn't materialise', accessed 15 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: M60 closed LIVE in 'police incident' as emergency services descend with huge traffic delays, accessed 15 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: Reform councillors resign live after extreme racist and sexist comments caught on camera, accessed 15 October 2026
- BBC News: Sally Rooney books withdrawn in UK over Palestine Action support, accessed 15 October 2026 (archived copy)
- The Guardian: UK economy unexpectedly grows in August despite fall in consumer spending, accessed 15 October 2026
- Evening Standard: 'Show respect': Britain slams Donald Trump over tiger video after man mauled to death, accessed 15 October 2026 (archived copy)
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