The UK's longstanding productivity crisis, characterized by output per hour lagging behind other advanced economies, poses a significant challenge to the nation’s economic competitiveness. Despite various governmental initiatives and corporate strategies designed to enhance productivity, results have been underwhelming.

As artificial intelligence and automation continue to reshape the global job market, societies worldwide are grappling with profound economic and social challenges. Major recent layoffs announced by companies like Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Nike, and Amazon highlight the urgent need for solutions. Nearly 40% of business leaders anticipate layoffs this year, with about four in ten planning to replace workers with AI.

The latest annual report from Swiss Bank UBS reveals a robust increase in the number of dollar millionaires worldwide, even amid persistent global wealth inequality. The comprehensive survey, spanning 56 countries, forecasts significant growth in the millionaire population across 52 of these nations by 2028. Notably, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom are exceptions, with projections indicating a 17% decline in their millionaire counts over the same period.