With unexpectedly high temperatures frequently outpacing the ability of modern office air conditioning systems to cope during the recent heatwave, firms found themselves fighting a losing battle with the debilitating effect of climatic conditions upon a frequently fatigued workforce.

Directors of top companies have seen their median earnings increase by 14% in the past year, driven by a huge rise in share-based long-term incentive payments, according to a new report.

Tories in the UK have demanded a clampdown on trade unions in a show of “Thatcherite zeal” aimed at stopping a wave of industrial unrest.

HSBC revealed a £7.4m pay package for boss Stuart Gulliver today after a year in which the banking giant racked up more massive profits.

UNIONS in Britain last night voiced fears that people will be forced to work until they drop under Government plans to end fixed retirement ages.

Pub and club workers could permanently lose their hearing because of the loud noise they are being subjected to in their jobs, a new report warned today.

Bosses in the UK can now use “big brother” technology to keep track of their workers throughout the day.

Live Aid founder Bob Geldof today condemned Tony Blair’s “guff and grandiose schemes” to tackle world poverty.