Claire’s Accessories is preparing to appoint administrators for its UK and Ireland operations, placing approximately 2,150 jobs at risk. The company operates 306 stores, including 278 in the UK and 28 in Ireland.

The US parent firm has filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath. Administrators will continue running stores while exploring potential rescue or sale options to maintain the brand as a going concern.

The decision follows the US group’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in Delaware last week. This is the second bankruptcy filing for Claire’s, after the company previously sought protection in 2018.

Sales in the UK and Ireland have declined due to weak consumer demand and growing competition from social media-driven retail and low-cost fast fashion brands. The company intends to continue trading while evaluating its options for long-term sustainability.

Administrators will assess potential transactions to secure the future of the chain and preserve operations in the short term.

A Protecht analysis of over 36,000 corporate fines from 2020 to 2024 highlights UK cities with the highest and lowest rates of business violations, adjusted for local business populations.

Lincoln stands out in the top ten for fines per 1,000 businesses, with 4.81 offences despite a relatively low total of 14 fines over five years. The city also recorded the second highest average fine at £242,000 per offence, costing local businesses £3.4 million in total. Other cities in the top ten for offence rates include Belfast, Nottingham, Southampton, Glasgow, Preston, Oxford, Newport, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne.

At the other end, Winchester had the lowest rate at 0.35 fines per 1,000 businesses, followed by Chichester, Wrexham, Salford, St Albans, Stirling, Brighton and Hove, Southend-on-Sea, Sunderland, and Lichfield.

Lincoln’s ranking illustrates how smaller business populations can result in a high per-business penalty rate. The figures highlight the financial exposure local companies face and the importance of embedding compliance and risk management into daily operations.

The University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) is urging the government to ringfence its planned Growth and Skills Levy funding of higher and degree apprenticeships, to tackle the rising skills gap impacting employers across the region. Latest figures reveal that local employers are more dependent than ever on funded apprenticeship programmes between levels 4-7, which have experienced a 9% increase in year-on-year starts in the last three years. Level 7 apprenticeship starts have seen the highest increase (13%) in the same three-year period, closely followed by Level 4 (12%), Level 5 (10%) and Level 6 (3%). A member survey conducted by UVAC also revealed that 42% of respondents felt the Growth and Skills Levy will make it harder for businesses to plug skills gaps. Around a third (30%) claim it will bring more bureaucracy and administration for employers across Yorkshire, whilst 48% believe it will restrict higher and degree apprenticeship provision and cater for less sectors. The shortage of skills needed across all sectors has never been higher. Research by The Open University and British Chamber of Commerce revealed that the UK skills gap remains stubbornly high – compromising productivity and preventing businesses from competing, nurturing talent and driving growth. For example, it found that 64% of employers are not confident of applying either artificial intelligence or green technologies across their business. Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee, chief executive for UVAC, said: “With Yorkshire employers and the wider economy so reliant on higher and degree apprenticeships to plug skills gaps, develop a sustainable talent pipeline or fill specialist roles, we’re urging the government to protect Growth and Skills Levy funding in this area. “Whilst apprenticeships are not the only solution, they provide an in-work route to the professions and advanced practice careers up to and including post-graduate and master’s degree levels. “Given that recent cuts to levy funding of Level 7 apprenticeships in January next year will also cost employers around £214m in additional training costs, there’s no need for the government to further deepen the skills void. “In addition to protecting funding, we feel the focus now should also be on defining the government’s intentions around its plans to provide greater flexibility to employers across Yorkshire. It feels like businesses are in a state of limbo at the moment. “The government appears to be prioritising lower-level apprenticeships designed for people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), but not providing the clarity or reassurance to those businesses that need apprentices across all ages to meet the critical skills challenges they face.”

New labour market data from the ONS shows average earnings growth, including bonuses, slowed to 4.6% in June. Despite this easing, businesses continue to face significant cost pressures, with labour costs remaining the largest challenge.

Many firms have delayed hiring or reduced jobs in response to increased expenses, including the impact of earlier national insurance changes. Unemployment rates remain relatively stable but recruitment activity has softened.

Labour costs were identified as the top concern by 73% of businesses surveyed. The combination of wage growth and other rising expenses is contributing to ongoing inflation in the services sector, influencing monetary policy decisions.

With further interest rate adjustments under consideration, employers and policymakers are closely monitoring wage trends. Business groups stress the importance of avoiding additional taxes on companies in upcoming budgets to support job creation and economic growth.

A strong business environment is seen as essential for attracting and retaining workers across all career stages, which in turn supports broader economic development.

South Yorkshire’s Integrated Care Board (ICB), overseeing NHS services in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield, is set to reduce its operating costs from £61.7 million to £30.2 million by the end of the year. This represents a 51 per cent cut mandated by national government efficiency targets requiring NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver £9 billion in savings during the current parliamentary term.

As part of wider NHS reforms, ICBs will shift away from directly providing patient services, focusing instead on planning and commissioning care. Responsibilities such as managing ongoing care for patients with complex needs and supporting GPs with prescribing will transfer to other organisations.

South Yorkshire is one of only 12 ICBs in England to remain independent, not merging with neighbouring areas despite financial pressures. The board plans to explore sharing some functions regionally while maintaining a strong local presence through senior staff embedded in communities.

Despite an average 3 per cent real-terms increase in the NHS England budget over the next three years, South Yorkshire must identify £270 million in efficiencies across the ICB and local trusts this year, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of its total system budget. This includes £79 million in deficit support from NHS England.

The ICB maintains its commitment to improving health outcomes, addressing inequalities, and delivering value, with a new operational model centred on commissioning rather than direct service provision. Staff briefings are ongoing, and support measures are in place during the restructuring process.

Junction 4 Pallets has increased its workforce from 162 to 193 employees over the past two years. The company has added roles across key functions such as raw materials purchasing, account management, health and safety, marketing, and pallet collections to support business growth.

Founded 30 years ago on a small farm, Junction 4 Pallets has developed into a major supplier of pallet services throughout the UK and Europe. Its headquarters are based in Armthorpe, Doncaster, with expanded operations covering Scotland and the Midlands.

The Coventry Superhub site recently shifted to a 24/7 operation to meet rising demand for pallets and related services. This move has increased production capacity and operational flexibility.

The company has focused on strategic recruitment and employee development to sustain growth. This approach includes comprehensive training and improving the overall experience for new hires.

Junction 4 Pallets continues to serve a wide range of businesses by managing, manufacturing, and supplying pallet solutions tailored to operational needs.