Asda is awarding bonuses to around 9,500 salaried employees despite some teams failing to meet performance targets during the retailer’s ongoing turnaround. The payments will go to head office staff and senior store leaders who joined before October 2025. In a memo to employees, Asda chairman Allan Leighton said the bonuses recognise staff efforts during…

Singapore plans to train 100,000 workers in AI skills by 2029 under the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP). The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of professionals in fields including accountancy and law, thus enabling them to integrate AI into their work processes. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said: “Not all of…

Women will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures being introduced next month, according to research by the TUC which says approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April. The TUC also notes that over 830,000 low-paid women will gain access to statutory sick pay for the first time. TUC…

The UK government is committing £40m over six years to establish a new lab that will focus on fundamental AI research that can lead to breakthroughs in science, healthcare and transport. “This is a long-term investment in the brilliant minds who will keep the UK in the AI fast lane. If we are the ones…

New research suggests that children who started primary school during the Covid-19 lockdowns suffered the most lasting developmental impact. The study, led by the University of East Anglia and published in Child Development, tracked 139 children aged 2.5 to 6.5 over several years, assessing cognitive skills such as memory, focus, impulse control, and adaptability –…

BrewDog has been acquired by US cannabis producer Tilray in a £33m deal after the company was put up for sale. AlixPartners said the sale meant 38 venues will close, with the loss of 484 jobs. The future of BrewDog’s 60 UK pubs remains uncertain as negotiations continue for its assets in the US and…