Zen Brief

Uncertainty over the autumn Budget weighs on the housing market and the banking sector, while small firms hold back on hiring despite a falling jobless rate. The government has pledged £140m for children's urgent care ahead of winter.

1. 1 Small firms curb hiring as labour costs biteThe jobless rate is falling, but small firms are hiring less, citing rising labour costs.
2. 2 Property Price Cuts Hit 15-Year High Ahead of BudgetAsking price cuts have reached their highest level in 15 years as Budget uncertainty weighs on the housing market.
3. 3 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m for urgent care, with ending corridor care for children a priority before winter.
4. 4 Nurse's £750k theft exposes care sector safeguarding gapsA nurse was convicted of stealing £750,000 from a 99-year-old client, prompting calls for stronger safeguarding of vulnerable elderly people.
5. 5 Banks lobby against autumn Budget tax increaseSenior bankers warn that expected tax rises in the autumn Budget could reduce lending and investment.