British shares opened higher on Monday, with the pound gaining ground, following data revealing the weakest hiring plans among UK firms since the pandemic began—pointing to a gradual slowdown in the previously resilient labor market.
By 07:15 GMT, the FTSE 100 had risen 0.3%, while the British pound increased 0.09% against the US dollar, crossing above 1.34. Meanwhile, Germany’s DAX slipped 0.06%, and France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.1%.
UK companies reveal lowest hiring intent since pandemic
Surveys published Monday indicate UK employers’ hiring appetite has softened to its weakest level since COVID-19 struck. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that only 57% of private sector companies plan to recruit in the next three months—the lowest since early 2021. This represents a slight drop from the previous quarter, when 58% of private employers aimed to hire.
S4 Capital in initial talks to acquire MSQ Partners
Digital marketing firm S4 Capital PLC (LSE:SFOR) confirmed it is in early-stage discussions about acquiring MSQ Partners. The company acknowledged media speculation but gave no details on terms or timing of the potential deal.
Plus500 plans $165 million return to shareholders via buybacks and dividends
Fintech firm Plus500 (LSE:PLUS) announced a shareholder return of $165 million following a solid first half, including a 4% revenue increase to $415.1 million and a net profit of $149.6 million, slightly above last year’s $148.8 million. The payout consists of $90 million in share buybacks—split between a $35 million interim program and a $55 million special repurchase—and $75 million in dividends, divided into a $35 million interim dividend and a $40 million special dividend.
GSK obtains FDA priority review for oral gonorrhea antibiotic
Pharmaceutical company GSK (LSE:GSK) revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted its priority review application for gepotidacin, an oral antibiotic targeting uncomplicated gonorrhea.
M&S resumes clothing click-and-collect after cyberattack disruption
Marks & Spencer (LSE:MKS) has restarted its clothing click-and-collect service after suspending it due to a cyber hack and data breach. Online delivery resumed on June 10, with click-and-collect now back in operation.
Heathrow records busiest July ever with strong North American traffic
Heathrow Airport announced its busiest month on record in July, driven largely by high traffic on routes to North America, especially around Independence Day. The airport also had its busiest day ever on August 1 and remains Europe’s most punctual major hub, outperforming Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid airports.
Rolls-Royce transfers £4.3 billion UK pension scheme to insurer
Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.) completed a £4.3 billion deal transferring its UK pension obligations to Pension Insurance, covering 36,000 members and related liabilities. CFO Helen McCabe described the transaction as “a win-win for all our stakeholders” and “another step on our journey towards simplifying Rolls-Royce.”
Spectris opts for KKR’s $6.4 billion offer, dropping Advent bid
Scientific instruments maker Spectris (LSE:SXS) announced it will not pursue Advent’s buyout proposal, choosing instead to support competitor KKR’s $6.4 billion offer.
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