‘Zombies’ suck life from UK economy, Burberry pulls pin on Leeds factory, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments.

Zombies are threatening the UK economy, reveals KPMG. The accountancy firm says the number of zombie companies — businesses that are only able to pay interest on their debts and not reduce the debt itself — is rising, with 8% of UK-listed companies displaying zombie-like symptoms over the past three years. New data suggests that in 2018 alone, that figure rose to 14% — with the highest proportion of affected businesses in the energy sector (23%), followed by automotive (17%) and utilities (15%). ? Here’s what people are saying.

Burberry has cancelled its plans for a new factory in Leeds, which had stalled since the Brexit vote. It would have enabled the company to produce its trademark coats and the gabardine cloth they are made from under one roof, the Guardian reports. The factory was the brainchild of former CEO Christopher Bailey, and the pause in development coincided with the arrival of the new chief executive, Marco Gobbetti. Despite the timing, Burberry denied the decision was linked to the UK’s impending exit from the European Union. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Stronger-than-expected economic data has contradicted a dire warning from the International Monetary Fund. Less than a month after the organisation warned of a “delicate moment” for the global economy, the Financial Times reports that the EU, China and the US — comprising almost half of global output — have published their first quarter estimates and all three have been stronger than expected. “Growth has stabilised,” said Citi chief economist Catherine Mann. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Crossrail — the massive railway project which had been slated to run from December 2018 — is unable to say when it will open or what it will cost, according to a National Audit Office report. The watchdog pointed to unnecessary spending and poor value for taxpayers as Crossrail's management team clung to an unrealistic opening date. The rail line from Heathrow to Canary Wharf is now unlikely to open before 2021. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Devon has the best quality of life in England and Wales, according to wellbeing charity Happy City's new report. The county fared better than 149 other local authorities on a range of metrics like physical activity, volunteering and air quality and had lower levels of inequality than others. Derby came in last, while Sheffield ranked higher than any other major city outside London. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the day: Many of us often feel pressure to put on a happy face, but University of Texas’ Mariana Alessandri suggests that such false cheeriness can prevent us from making authentic connections with others.

“If we could find it in ourselves to wear our natural expression ... we would be better for it. It’s time to cultivate honesty instead of cheer.”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

—  Riva Gold, Capucine Yeomans & Ben Collins