For years, Scotland’s labour market has been defined by rapid hiring, record vacancies, and employers competing fiercely for talent. That era is fading.
While economic headlines often focus on inflation, interest rates and GDP, another set of figures quietly provides one of the clearest pictures of the health of the UK economy - the number of businesses being created and the number disappearing. The latest Office for National Statistics Business Demography report covering April to June 2026 tracks these changes across every major industry and region of the UK.
Britain will be better protected from undersea threats and hundreds of jobs will be secured through a new £135 million contract to maintain and repair Royal Navy torpedo weapons. Around 315 jobs across the UK, including highly skilled engineering roles, sustained by new £135 million contract.
From 17 August 2026, 16-17 Saver railcards will be valid for a full year from the purchase date and will not expire when the holder turns 18. more students aged 16 to 18 to benefit from half-price rail fares from this September, helping them on their commutes to school, college or training.
The total number of 18-year-olds in Scotland who have secured a place at university this year has increased to 17,920 – a record high for Scottish students on exam results day, up from 17,350 the previous year. This includes a record high in 18-year-olds from Scotland’s most deprived areas securing places at university, up by almost 7% to 2,090 – the highest on record for this stage in the cycle.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency works with industry to support next generation of mariners. A new rolling review of the UK maritime syllabus has been launched, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in partnership with industry, to ensure high-quality training that is fit for the future.
Pass rates for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers have all increased again, including a record number of National 5 passes. Learners have also achieved a record number of vocational and technical qualifications, up by 121% on pre-pandemic levels.
More than £4.4 million has been invested in new trench training infrastructure across the Defence Training Estate, enhancing the UK armed forces’ ability to train in realistic and contemporary battlefield environments. Delivered through a partnership between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the British Army and Landmarc Support Services, the investment includes new trench systems at Copehill Down Training Village on Salisbury Plain and Eastern European-style trench networks at Eastmere Village within Stanford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk.
Scotland is facing a housing emergency, yet the latest official figures reveal that the number of new homes being built is moving in the opposite direction to what is needed. The latest statistics from the Scottish Government, reflected in the Office for National Statistics housing data, show that housebuilding declined sharply during 2025.
Dstl collaborated with industry and Defence partners to design and implement a rigorous and innovative test of the UK's underwater mine countermeasures. Dstl analysts supported Naval Design Partnering (NDP) and colleagues in the Ministry of Defence’s National Armaments Director Group delivering an innovative exercise for the UK’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC).
Small businesses across Scotland and the wider UK will soon face several important changes to employment law. These changes come from the Employment Rights Act 2025, and they introduce new duties starting on 1 October 2026, 30 October 2026, and 1 January 2027.
£20 million up for grabs to develop farm robots and automated systems that can plant, tend and harvest crops. New funding will help develop robots and innovative technologies that can plant, tend and harvest crops, giving farmers a helping hand at busy times of year, Farming Minister Stephen Morgan announced.
The recent rise in global oil prices has helped deliver a strong boost to BP's latest financial results, underlining a familiar pattern in the energy industry: when crude prices climb, oil producers often benefit long before consumers do. With Brent crude trading at just over $80 a barrel, BP has reported stronger profits than many analysts expected.
The oil price is currently trading at just above $80 a barrel, recovering from recent lows as traders continue to weigh growing geopolitical tensions against the prospect of adequate global supplies. While the market remains extremely volatile, several factors are helping to keep prices around the $80 mark for now.
The announcement of a £14.3 billion takeover of British warehouse developer SEGRO by US logistics giant Prologis is about far more than one corporate deal. It is another sign that warehouses, distribution centres and industrial property have become some of the most valuable assets in the modern economy.
Nine Million Arrivals, Five Million Departures: How Migration Has Changed Britain – And What It Means for Housing and Public Services Britain is approaching a significant milestone. With the UK's population now close to 70 million, the country is larger than at any time in its history.
The UK doesn’t have a shortage of people — it has a shortage of qualified tradespeople. Unemployment and trade shortages coexist because the labour market is mismatched: the people who are unemployed often don’t have the skills, training, mobility, or experience needed for plumbing, electrical, or building work.
National Grid has today unveiled a major new commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training over the next five years. National Grid launches a new £5 million fund to help 5,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training get into work.
Grants of up to £20,000 to help farmers and crofters invest in their businesses and modernise operations will open for applications from winter 2026, First Minister John Swinney has announced. At least 725 farming and crofting businesses will share £14.25 million as part of the next round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme.
The latest meeting of the Caithness Committee today 3 August 2026 highlights three issues that continue to shape everyday life in the county. The future of council housing and empty properties.