The regulator will allow higher bills to fund growing costs and investment, the BBC understands.

Businesses will face additional costs over the measures which include boosts to sick pay and unfair dismissal rights.

Unite spent £112m of its members’ money on the project in Birmingham, the BBC has been told.

The store says the women alleging sexual misconduct against Mohamed Al Fayed came forward after a BBC documentary aired.

Britain is sick, and getting sicker. Economics editor Faisal Islam unpacks whether the government can get people working again