The US president wants to demonstrate strength, but rising oil prices, threatened shipping and mounting costs for households suggest the economic consequences may be running in the opposite direction. Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict with Iran is facing an uncomfortable test.
Britain's jobs market is showing signs of strain, with new figures revealing that the number of employees on company payrolls has fallen over the past year, despite a small monthly improvement in September. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that employers remain cautious, while the retail and wholesale sector continues to face considerable pressure.
Britain is investing billions of pounds in offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects, including in the seas and countryside around the north of Scotland. Yet the country faces an increasingly expensive problem: it cannot always transport the electricity being generated to the places where it is needed.
The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The facility represents an investment of £350m.
Motorists across Scotland could benefit from new rules designed to make private parking charges fairer, following an announcement by the UK Government aimed at tackling some of the practices that have caused frustration for drivers. The changes are intended to give motorists more protection when using privately operated car parks, including those run by parking management companies, supermarkets, retail parks and other businesses.
Unemployment has edged down, but fewer vacancies and continuing pressure on employers suggest the recovery remains fragile. Britain's jobs market is sending conflicting messages.
Caithness could become an increasingly important part of Britain's energy future. The winds blowing across the far north of Scotland offer enormous potential for renewable electricity, and new transmission infrastructure is being developed to carry that power towards homes and businesses further south.
Owning a croft does not automatically give someone the right to build a house. Anyone considering a new home needs to understand the planning rules, crofting legislation and the potentially serious consequences of starting work without the necessary permissions.
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to check if they can benefit from Pension Credit, an income top-up that can provide vital help with everyday costs. 660,000 households will receive advice urging pensioners to check their Pension Credit eligibility, help a loved one make a claim and pin the information to their fridge.
Scotland must strengthen economic and cultural ties with India for the benefit of jobs, investment and growth, First Minister John Swinney has said. Ahead of visiting Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, he hailed the success of Scottish salmon exports as an example of the “golden opportunity” that exists for Scotland’s economy if new international trading opportunities can be unlocked.
Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training. Young people to benefit from thousands more routes into skilled careers, including 22,400 new under-25 apprenticeships a year in professional and business services and 40,000 construction placements every year Industrial Strategy plans come ahead of Milburn review into young people, opening up routes into good jobs while building the skilled workforce Britain needs to grow and reindustrialise Devolution at heart of plans, with mayors and local skills partnerships helping shape training around the jobs and skills their areas need Young people will get thousands more opportunities to start skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Reports that Chancellor John Healey may abandon plans to increase capital gains tax (CGT) have attracted attention ahead of the Budget on 28 October. For investors, landlords, farmers and family business owners across Scotland, the outcome could affect decisions about selling assets, passing on a business or planning for retirement.
A croft can offer a route into rural life, food production and community involvement. But the attractive image of owning a small piece of Highland land can hide a complicated set of legal responsibilities and financial commitments.
New ONS data analysed by Parcelhero shows worry over fuel costs has jumped across UK industry since the summer. Transport & storage businesses remain the most acutely exposed, while manufacturing concern has more than doubled.
From income tax and capital gains to inheritance tax and the little-known herd basis, farming families have several rules to consider when planning for retirement and passing on the family business. Farming is often described as a way of life rather than simply a business.
For many households in Caithness and the wider Highlands, heating oil is not a luxury or an occasional purchase. It is what keeps the house warm through the long northern winter.
The UK Government is considering a major rethink of the benefits system for young people, raising an important question for families across Britain. Will those who struggle to find work receive more practical help, or will some find themselves with less money to live on? The debate centres on the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Diesel prices could climb further in the coming weeks, adding to the pressure on motorists, hauliers, farmers and businesses already struggling with high operating costs. With oil prices under pressure from renewed tensions in the Middle East and supplies of refined diesel remaining tight, there are growing concerns that the latest increases may not be the end of the story.
As petrol and diesel prices climb, motorists across Britain face a familiar problem. Filling the car costs more, businesses pay more to move goods, and higher transport costs can eventually feed through into food prices and household bills.
Scotland’s used-car market is facing questions about its financial health following the collapse of Cars4You Ltd, which entered administration in October 2026. The company’s difficulties have highlighted the pressures facing vehicle retailers as households become more cautious about spending and the cost of running a car continues to rise.