Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
UK economy grew 0.3% in August
UK growth accelerated over the summer but statisticians said on Thursday that GDP was weaker than first thought in earlier months as the government admitted that the economy felt “stuck” for many families.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that economic output expanded by 0.3% in the three months to August, in line with analysts’ forecasts, compared with growth of 0.2% the previous quarter.
In August alone, the economy grew by 0.1%, also matching the consensus forecast. However, the ONS said that GDP contracted by 0.1% in July, a downward revision from zero growth previously.
Thousands in UK sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer risks
A major legal claim has been filed in the UK against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, accusing the firm of knowingly selling baby powder contaminated with asbestos.
The claim involves 3,000 people and focuses on internal memos and scientific reports, which have been seen by the BBC.
The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was aware as early as the 1960s that its mineral-based talcum powder contained fibrous forms of talc, as well as tremolite and actinolite. Both minerals - when in their fibrous form - are classified as asbestos and linked to potentially deadly cancers.
Baroness Mone-linked PPE firm misses deadline to pay £122m
A company linked to Baroness Michelle Mone has failed to meet a deadline to repay £122million for breaching a Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contract.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) won a legal case earlier this month against PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Lady Mone's husband Doug Barrowman, over claims the PPE did not comply with relevant healthcare standards.
A High Court judge ruled some of the company's gowns they supplied were not "sterile".