A pay rise is on the cards, the EU economy is growing fast, and more trending news

The news professionals in the UK are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation in the comments below.

British workers are in line for their biggest pay rise since 2008. A survey of businesses by the Bank of England shows wage growth is expected to increase to 3.1% in 2018, up from 2.6% last year. The central bank said the increases in pay settlements this year should span most industries, with only the construction sector expecting no change from 2017. If, as analysts predict, inflation falls from its current level of 3%, Brits will see their real wages grow over the course of the year.

The EU economy grew at its fastest pace in a decade last year. The combined economy of the EU’s 28 nations increased 2.5% in 2017 – the biggest rise since 2007 when it grew by 2.7%, figures from statistics office Eurostat show. Germany’s GDP grew 2.9% year-on-year in the final quarter of the year, while France witnessed a 2.4% rise and Spain a 3.1% spike. Last month, preliminary estimates from the ONS said the UK economy grew by a rather more modest 1.8% in 2017.

The UK’s screen industries are tackling bullying and harassment head on with a set of zero-tolerance principles. Actors and producers, as well as film, TV and video game firms have put together a “clear and simple” set of eight rules aimed at stamping out abuse in their industries. More than 20 industry organisations and unions were involved in the creation of the principles, one of which is: “Everyone is responsible for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace that is positive and supportive.”

The CEO of housebuilder Persimmon is giving some of his much-criticised ￡110m bonus to charity. Jeff Fairburn said he never wanted the exceedingly generous pay top up and will set up a charitable trust to give away a “substantial” chunk of it. The firm’s bonus scheme was uncapped, so as Persimmon’s share price rose, some 140 senior staff members ended up receiving payments totaling ￡800m. Fairburn was keen to note the scheme was created before he took on the role of chief executive in 2013 and regrets that the controversy surrounding it has come to eclipse his firm’s strong performance.

The BBC has set a target to stop using single-use plastic by 2020. The broadcaster’s canteens will stop providing throwaway plastic cups and cutlery by the end of this year, while plastic food containers will be banned in 2019. Currently, around two million plastic cups are used by BBC visitors and staff members each year. The decision comes after the corporation’s Blue Planet II series highlighted the sheer scale of plastic pollution in the oceans.

Idea of the Day: Instead of working toward the murky notion of becoming your “best” self, focus on what Compete to Create co-founder Michael Gervais calls your “personal philosophy”. The world’s most successful people operate with clear principles that guide them, he explains.

“Your personal philosophy guides every decision you make, influences the friends you choose, the love you find, the purchases you make, jobs you inhabit, where you live in the world, the way you feel about yourself, and the possibilities you hold for yourself.”

What's your take? Join the conversations on today's stories in the comments.

— Emily Spaven / Share this using #DailyRundow