Barclays’ CEO has reaffirmed the bank’s backing for government economic policies, emphasizing support for the chancellor’s financial responsibilities amid ongoing discussions about bank profitability. Meanwhile, new data from the Office for National Statistics reveals the UK’s gender pay gap for full-time workers has narrowed further, dropping to 6.8%—a significant decline from 16.4% a quarter-century ago. The chancellor has also defended banks’ current performance, framing their strong earnings as vital for driving national investment. With a potential surcharge on bank profits looming in the upcoming Budget, the exchange highlights tensions between regulatory scrutiny and the sector’s role in economic growth.
CEO of Barclays tells reporters: ‘I deeply respect the responsibility that the chancellor has and he has our full support and backing’The Office for National Statistics has also published a report on the gender pay gap. It says:The gender pay gap for full-time employees has continued to decline in the UK. It was 6.8% in April 2026, down from 7.2% in April 2025. This compares with 9.4% a decade ago and 16.4% 25 years ago.Secondly, I asked Healey whether he sees the banks as making excessive profits, which would be the coherent justification for him to increase the surcharge on bank profits – as he is expected to do in the Budget next week.He said: “You know the banks are the engine of investment in this country. The banks are doing well at the moment and that is good to see. Continue reading...
