Year-long construction decline jeopardises Labour housing target
The UK construction sector has now declined for a full year, new data reveals, putting Labour's target of 1.5 million new homes by 2030 in serious jeopardy. Read the full analysis.
Category : Search result: birthrate decline
UK deaths to outnumber births from 2026, warns think tank
A major think tank predicts 2026 will mark a permanent demographic shift in the UK, with deaths exceeding births. This could mean fewer workers, higher taxes, and a renewed debate on immigration. Read the full analysis.
Arctic Rain Icing Over Reindeer Food, Cutting Birthrates
Warmer Arctic winters bring more rain, which freezes into ice layers and blocks reindeer from their food. Research links this to falling herd birthrates. Discover the challenge for Arctic wildlife.
UK deaths to outnumber births in 2026, warns think tank
The UK is set for a historic demographic shift in 2026, with deaths exceeding births. This long-term trend could mean fewer workers and higher taxes, putting immigration policy in the spotlight. Read the full analysis.
Why Scandinavian Women's Football Fell Behind the WSL
Once dominant, Scandinavian clubs now lag behind Europe's elite. We analyse the financial and structural gaps, and ask if Nordic women's football can ever compete again.
Call for BBC Local Radio in Scotland and Wales
A letter to the Guardian argues the BBC must establish truly local radio stations in Scotland and Wales to fill the void left by declining regional newspapers and give communities a voice.
Italy's Demographic Crisis: Birth Rate Hits Record Low of 1.2
Italy faces a severe demographic crisis with births plummeting to 379,000 in 2025. Explore the economic and social 'perfect storm' causing this collapse and its profound implications for the nation's future.
China taxes condoms to boost birth rates
China introduces a 13% VAT on contraceptives while exempting childcare services, aiming to reverse a declining population. Experts debate the policy's effectiveness and potential risks.
Europe's Economic Decline: The Real Threat Beyond 'Woke' Politics
Nouriel Roubini argues Europe's existential crisis is economic and technological, not cultural. US GDP grew 87% vs EU's 13.5% since 2008. Can reforms save the continent?
UK charities face funding crisis and rising demand
Britain's voluntary sector is struggling with a severe financial crunch, rising costs, and falling donations as demand for services soars. Can Labour's 'covenant' offer a lifeline?
Warm 2025 Spring Increases UK Songbird Breeding
Data reveals the UK's warmest spring on record led to higher breeding success for 14 songbird species, offering a glimmer of hope amid long-term declines for threatened wild birds. Discover the full story.
Dyson: Inheritance tax could force sale of my company
Sir James Dyson warns his company will become 'unrecognisable' and may have to be sold to pay a multi-billion pound inheritance tax bill unless the government reverses its reforms. Read his full critique.
Italian village welcomes first newborn in three decades
The birth of baby Lara in Pagliara dei Marsi highlights Italy's deepening demographic crisis, with national birth rates hitting a historic low. Can policies reverse the trend?
Somerset traders oppose new parking charges on Hill Road
Independent businesses in Clevedon's Hill Road warn new parking fees proposed by North Somerset Council could drive customers away, threatening the town's vibrant retail scene. Read why they're fighting back.
Denmark ends letter deliveries after 400 years
Denmark's state postal service stops all letter deliveries from 30 December, cutting 1,500 jobs. As letter volumes plummet globally, is the UK's Royal Mail on a similar path? Read our analysis.
Console sales plummet to 30-year low in UK and US
November sales data reveals a shocking decline for PS5, Xbox, and Switch 2, sparking fears that traditional video game consoles are becoming obsolete. Are rising prices and PC gaming to blame?
ITV Christmas Schedule Blamed on Viewer Habits, Not Broadcasters
ITV's 2025 festive lineup is branded 'dreadful', but the real culprit is our shift to streaming giants like Netflix. As traditional TV viewership declines, can British broadcasters survive the Christmas ratings war?
Canada's population falls sharply as immigration policy shifts
Canada records its largest quarterly population drop in over five decades, a direct result of new caps on international students and non-permanent residents. Explore the data and the political divide driving this historic reversal.
China Taxes Condoms Amid Declining Birth Rate
China will impose a 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptive drugs from January 1, ending a 30-year exemption. Experts warn of risks to public health as social media users ridicule the move.
Tech Stocks Fall on Oracle Data Centre and AI Debt Concerns
US tech stocks led a market sell-off after Oracle lost backing for a $10bn data centre, fuelling investor anxiety over massive AI infrastructure debt. Discover the full impact.
Video Game Industry In Crisis As Console Sales Plunge
GameCentral readers express deep concern over plummeting console sales, the struggles of Call Of Duty, and the future of major publishers. Is the gaming bubble bursting?
China Taxes Condoms in Bid to Reverse Falling Birth Rate
China ends a 30-year tax exemption on contraceptives, imposing a 13% VAT from 1 January. This 'carrot-and-stick' approach aims to boost the birth rate, but experts doubt its effectiveness. Explore the policy shift and public reaction.
Canada's population falls amid student visa crackdown
Canada's population fell by 0.2% in Q3 2025, a rare decline driven by a government crackdown on international student numbers. Explore the data and economic impacts.
River Island to close 33 stores by 2026 after £33.2m losses
British fashion chain River Island is closing 33 profitable branches by January 2026, risking hundreds of jobs. The move follows £33.2m losses and a shift to online shopping. See the full list of affected stores.
Argos loses £223m as over 2,000 jobs cut
Argos reports a £223.2m pre-tax loss for the year, with over 2,000 jobs axed. The retailer blames a tough market and poor summer weather. Read the full analysis.
Young Women Reject Marriage As Gender Expectations Shift
Survey data reveals a growing gender gap in marriage aspirations among young people. Discover why women are increasingly opting out of traditional relationships and what this means for modern partnerships.
Theatre crisis: New plays decline despite audience demand
New report reveals 30% decline in new play productions since 2019, while audience attendance for new work surges by 50%. Discover why theatres must embrace bold programming now.
Pets at Home profits dive 33.5% in half-year results
Pets at Home reports 33.5% profit drop to £36.2m as retail business falters. Interim CEO announces urgent action needed to return to retailing roots. Read the full analysis.
Tech Critic Explains Internet 'Enshittification'
Discover why the internet feels worse, from Amazon to Instagram. Tech critic Corey Doctorow explains his three-step 'enshittification' theory and what can be done to stop it. Listen now!
Teen Vogue's closure signals end of progressive youth media
The folding of Teen Vogue into Vogue marks the end of an era for feminist journalism under Trump's administration. Discover how political pressures and advertising boycotts silenced progressive voices.
Page 1 of 2