Over four million people now receive universal credit without being required to look for work, about one million more than a year ago. Ministers cite transfers from legacy benefits and rising ill‑health. The surge is pressuring the welfare bill and is expected to spur reforms to boost employment.

Donald Trump threatens a $1bn defamation claim against the BBC unless it apologises by a deadline and retracts what he says are false statements. His lawyers allege a programme misrepresented his remarks with edited footage. The corporation says it is considering the letter.

Tim Davie resigned as BBC director-general, and head of news Deborah Turness also quit, after criticism of coverage and a misleading edit of a speech by President Trump. The BBC apologised, ordered an independent review, and begun the process to appoint successors.

Rachel Reeves plans to curb tax advantages of salary sacrifice pension contributions in the budget, aiming to raise about £2bn. The change would reduce NI perks for staff and employers, trimming take-home pay and pension growth, while keeping the 25% tax‑free lump sum.