Last days of Brexit talks

The 1-minute read to get the money news you need.

Will there be a deal?

Talks between the UK and the EU have restarted in a final push for a deal. There’s still time to finalise negotiations - but not much. With less than a month to go until the end of the transition period, the same sticking points remain: fishing, competition rules, and enforcement of the new rules.

Festive footfall

Shoppers hit the high streets over the weekend after lockdown restrictions were lifted in England. Shops are pinning their hopes on a lucrative Christmas shopping season. But footfall was 30% lower than over the same weekend in December 2019, as many people switch to buying online.

Ashley to the rescue?

Retail mogul Mike Ashley is in last ditch talks to rescue failing department store chain Debenhams. The House of Fraser and Sports Direct owner is trying to seal a deal that could save at least some of the 12,000 jobs that are at risk.

North needs help

The north is facing unemployment levels not seen since 1994, according to a new State of the North report by a leading thinktank. The report also warns that there is a growing divide between the north and the south, in pay, poverty, and even life expectancy. The report calls on the government to make good on its pledge to “level up” northern towns and cities.