Water bills will rise by more than one-third over the next five years, much of it in 2025. The regulator, Ofwat, previously said that that the price rises would far less. Unions and campaign groups have condemned the move.

Farmers continue to campaign against tax changes and other threats to farming. This focuses attention on food production and the condition of our countryside.

Rolls-Royce aerospace workers have eventually settled a multi-year pay agreement after prolonged negotiations. The industry has often led the way on pay levels, but that may change with the employers exploiting fragmentation and outsourcing.

The government is delaying the use of small modular nuclear reactors in Britain. And it is not committed to support Rolls-Royce as a provider, although it is a world leader in the technology.

Details of the Budget were widely trailed beforehand. But behind the headlines and promises there is much that should concern workers.

The defence pact with Germany just announced is the latest step in the Labour government’s warmongering. Since the election, Starmer and his ministers have actively ramped up NATO commitments in the name of “defence”.

Arts education provision across Britain is suffering from continuing cuts including instrumental music, drama and visual arts. Workers in arts and education are trying to build campaigns to counter this decline.

Rail workers in most train operating companies have voted to accept the national pay deal. This ends over two years of intermittent strikes and other industrial action.

Transport unions Aslef and RMT are planning strikes over pay for their members on London Underground. In separate disputes both will be taking action in early November.