Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a prohibition on social media platforms for children under 16, with the legislation expected by Christmas and implementation by spring 2027. Major tech companies, including Meta and YouTube, have voiced concerns that such a ban could push younger users into less regulated online spaces.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has pledged to implement new social media restrictions for under-16s by the end of the year, following the conclusion of a government consultation. A complete ban on social media for children, mirroring Australia's approach, remains under consideration.
Next CEO Lord Wolfson states that the number of applicants for retail jobs has nearly doubled in two years, attributing this to a significant fall in entry-level employment opportunities across the UK economy. He criticises government policies, including impending zero-hours contract bans and National Insurance hikes, for exacerbating the issue.
