Today’s digest covers the jobs market and the Budget, which is now eight days away, plus rail disruption in Greater Manchester and a housing story from London.
Unemployment falls to 4.7% ahead of the Budget
Unemployment in the UK fell unexpectedly to 4.7% in the three months to August, down from 4.9%, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of payrolled employees rose by 13,000 between August and September to 30.3m, but job vacancies kept falling. If you are looking for work, more people are in jobs, but there are fewer openings to apply for.
Source: The Guardian
Chancellor said to rule out a Capital Gains Tax rise
Sources say the Chancellor has rejected calls to raise Capital Gains Tax in the Budget on 28 October. Influential Labour figures had pushed for CGT to be set at the same rates as income tax, while critics warned that this could drive wealthy people out of Britain. If you own shares, a second property or other assets, it is worth watching what the Budget actually confirms.
Source: BBC News
Government sets out skilled career routes for young people
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed a plan that it says will keep 100,000 people out of the benefits system. Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries. If you have children approaching working age, or you are early in your own career, look out for details as the scheme rolls out.
Source: BirminghamLive
Trains cancelled between Bolton and Preston
Rail passengers in Greater Manchester face cancellations this morning because the lines between Bolton and Preston are blocked. Check your journey before you travel and allow extra time if you use this route.
Source: Manchester Evening News
Woodland Terrace residents still out of their homes
Residents of Woodland Terrace in London are still displaced, two months after part of the building’s roof collapsed on 22 August. It shows how long people can be left without a home after structural damage, so renters should know what their landlord and insurer are responsible for.
Source: BBC London
Sultan of Oman makes a state visit to Windsor
The King and the royal family will welcome Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said of Oman for a state visit at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. The Omani ruler will be honoured with a state banquet at the castle.
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: Residents in limbo two months after roof collapse, accessed 20 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: Train disruption LIVE as Greater Manchester line blocked with services cancelled, accessed 20 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: DWP confirms plan to keep 100,000 people out of benefits system, accessed 20 October 2026
- BBC News: Chancellor rejects calls to raise Capital Gains Tax in Budget, sources say, accessed 20 October 2026 (archived copy)
- The Guardian: Surprise drop in UK unemployment to 4.7%, accessed 20 October 2026
- Evening Standard: King and royal family to welcome Sultan of Oman for Windsor state visit, accessed 20 October 2026
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