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The UK faces heavy disruption this month due to widespread industrial action. Many workers seek pay rises that are more in line with double digit inflation this past year, as they grapple with the cost of living crisis. Strikes are scheduled for almost every day for the rest of the month, across a variety of sectors, including rail and air travel, healthcare and postal services.

UK house prices saw their biggest drop in 14 years in November, falling around 2.3%, marking the third month in a row in which prices have fallen. This comes as a result of potential buyers playing it safe through delaying purchases in the current market environment. The annual rate of growth of property prices has dropped from 8.2% to 4.7%. However, Halifax Mortgages’ Director Kim Kinnaird said that house price drops should always be taken in context, given the rapid rises we have seen in the recent past.

The UK has agreed to double imports of US gas over the next year in its latest bid to tackle soaring energy prices. PM Sunak said the measures would ‘bring down prices for British consumers and help end Europe’s dependence on Russian gas’. The two countries will also boost collaboration over the development of new nuclear and green energy technologies. The partnership will be spearheaded by a new joint UK-US action group, with the first official meeting held on Thursday.