Inflation figures closely watched by US Federal Reserve; core inflation holds steady at 3.3%

• Thames Water gains key support from creditors for £3bn funding lifeline

The Post Office plans to close 115 branches and says about 2,000 jobs are at risk as part of a plan that will see post office operator pay increase by £250m over the next five years.

The Post Office confirmed today that it is seeking to offload 115 branches that it centrally owns, known as crown post offices, but said it expects to maintain the total network at 11,500 branches across the UK.