A UK tax break incentive scheme, designed to help small and medium businesses attract high-calibre workers, has been approved by the European Commission until 2018.

A fund of £1 million has been allocated by the National Apprenticeship Service to help construction apprentices complete their training during the economic downturn.

Retail sales in the UK have reported good growth for June. Industry leaders have put the increase down to good weather and in-store summer promotions.