Zen Brief

Inflation and borrowing figures have narrowed the Chancellor's options ahead of next week's Budget, and Barclays plans to cut 5,000 UK jobs as it expands its use of AI. In health and care, the government announced new urgent care funding for children, and a theft case has renewed safeguarding concerns.

1. 1 Treasury Study Shows UK Missed £1 Trillion Oil Wealth FundA Treasury calculation shows North Sea oil revenue, if invested over decades, could have built a trillion-pound sovereign wealth fund.
2. 2 Barclays cuts 5,000 UK jobs in AI expansionBarclays will cut 5,000 roles as it expands its use of AI, raising questions about job security across UK banking.
3. 3 Inflation surge limits Chancellor's Budget tax optionsHigher inflation and borrowing figures have narrowed Chancellor John Healey's room for manoeuvre before next week's Budget.
4. 4 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m for urgent care, with ending corridor care for children a priority before winter.
5. 5 Nurse's £750k theft exposes care sector safeguarding gapsA nurse was convicted of stealing £750,000 from a 99-year-old client, renewing calls for stronger safeguarding of vulnerable elderly people.