News in Review Wednesday 19th August 2026

UK economy growth, latest employment and earnings figures, pensioner poverty and water bills set to rise

Key takeaways:

The UK economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

UK unemployment was estimated at 4.9% between April and June 2026 – 0.1% lower than the previous quarter

A major new report shows that poverty among pensioners increased from 15.7% in 2012/13 to 18.6% in 2023/24

HCR Independent Financial Advisers Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company number 04463931

Registered address: 2 Crown Buildings, The Green, Chingford, London E4 7EX

Trading address: Suite 5 First Floor, Foremost House, Radford Way, Billericay, Essex CM12 0BT

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News in Review Wednesday 19th August 2026

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