It’s become a commonplace to hear that the consumer will lose out by paying higher prices for goods under new protectionism. It’s harder to ascertain what groups in the labour market might have problems now that tariffs have become part of the US administration’s international relations toolkit.

The budget marks a shift towards investment in skills, health, and infrastructure, addressing low productivity, labour shortages, and regional disparities.

Recent data shows that UK businesses are actively hiring – for the right candidates - with nearly two in five business leaders hoping to increase headcount in 2025. These companies are playing the long game by focusing on strategic hires to position themselves to make the most of the economic bounce back.

The budget marks a shift towards investment in skills, health, and infrastructure, addressing low productivity, labour shortages, and regional disparities.

The UK must adopt a robust industrial strategy, learning from global leaders, to rejuvenate manufacturing, drive innovation, and ensure economic resilience.