Key Developments in UK Business and Government Initiatives

The Financial Times highlights key UK business and government actions. Business groups urge automatic broadband outage compensation. The government extends the hardship fund amidst pension payment pressures. Recruitment starts for the new state-owned energy firm, and KPMG secures a significant government contract.

Top stories from the Financial Times reveal significant moves in UK business and government sectors. Reuters has not verified these reports.

British business groups are urging the UK communications regulator to automatically compensate companies hit by broadband outages, citing potential boosts to economic growth and productivity.

In response to mounting pressure, the British government will extend a crucial hardship fund aimed at aiding struggling households in England, coinciding with Chancellor Rachel Reeves' contentious plan to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners. Additionally, the government has begun recruiting for GB Energy, a state-owned company, set to announce its headquarters' location next month.

Moreover, KPMG has secured a £223 million UK government contract to train civil servants, marking the second-largest public sector contract for the firm prior to the Treasury's new policy to reduce dependence on external consultants.

(With inputs from agencies.)