Hays said conditions are set to remain ‘challenging’ into its 2026 financial year, as firms continued putting the brakes on hiring.

Former MP Joanna Cherry said there must be ‘a sea-change’ across the public sector to recognise the law has been clarified.

ITV said on Wednesday that The Real Housewives Of Cheshire and Real Housewives franchises will move from ITVBe to ITV2 in June 2025.