News Archive

Why Are Fertility Rates are Plummeting Around the World?

Around the world, fertility rates are falling dramatically.  Researchers have described the decline as "jaw-dropping" and the impact that it is going to have on societies is difficult to fathom.  

Face Coverings In Schools

Guidance for pupils and staff on the use of face coverings in schools and on school transport has been updated.   In light of the latest scientific and public health advice, including World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, face coverings should now (unless exemptions apply) be worn: in secondary schools, by adults and all pupils moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain on dedicated school transport by all children aged five and over, bringing it into line with guidance for public transport While staff and students can continue to wear face coverings if they wish to, face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom as there is greater scope for physical distancing and face coverings can have an impact on learning and teaching.  

Free Shipping Is Vital - 9 Out Of 10 Shoppers Say No Delivery Charge Is Their Key Incentive To Spending More

bs and Amazon is investing heavily to ensure that millions more shoppers can enjoy free food delivery.  In July, Amazon announced it would scrap its minimum delivery charge on Amazon Fresh orders and expand Amazon Fresh to millions of Prime members across the UK before the end of the year.  

Higher Education Student Support for Scotland 2019-2020

Scotland's Chief Statistician today published statistics on Higher Education Student Support in Scotland 2019-2020.  These statistics have been prepared two months earlier than in previous years, making the data available for public consumption earlier.  

Gad Helps Kickstart Uk Film And Tv Productions

GAD plays a central role in a new £500m government scheme set to kickstart the UK film and TV productions affected by the coronavirus pandemic.   The Government Actuary's Department (GAD) has helped to deliver a project which is providing a £500m boost to the UK film and TV industries adversely affected by COVID-19.  

Government Legal Department's General Enquiry Number Is Being Used Fraudulently To Target Members Of The Public

We have been made aware that the Government Legal Department (GLD) general enquiry number (020 7210 8500) is being used by fraudsters to try and extract money from members of the public.   In most of the reported cases, the fraudsters claim they are calling from GLD or HMRC, with the GLD enquiry line number showing in the caller ID.  

UK Government Confirms £32.5 Million Investment In Moray Growth Deal

Transformational multi-million pound investment into Moray's future prosperity given seal of approval.   More than £100 million will be pumped into Moray's economy, massively regenerating the area and boosting jobs, thanks to a joint deal signed via live stream today [24 August 2020] between the UK and Scottish Governments along with regional partners.  

Bumper Weight Of Fish Produced At Environment Agency's National Fish Farm

In England the Environment Agency's National Fish Farm has produced and stocked a record breaking weight of fish in rivers, lakes and ponds.   The Environment Agency restocked rivers with more than half a million (520,475) fish last year, as its national fish farm near Calverton produced its largest ever tonnage of fish.  

Culture Recovery Fund Saves 135 Grassroots Music Venues With Emergency Grants In England

135 at risk grassroots music venues have been saved by emergency funding as part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.   £2.25m funding topped up by more than £1 million to help more venues in need of support to survive Recipients of the fund include The Troubadour in London, where Adele and Ed Sheeran performed in the early days of their career, as well as The Jacaranda in Liverpool, where The Beatles played early rehearsals and one of their first gigs Arts, film and culture organisations encouraged to get their bids in for a share of £880 million worth of grants through Arts Council England, the British Film Institute, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund Grassroots music venues across England are the first recipients of the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary has announced today.  

New A9 Improvement At Berriedale Opens

The £9.6 million Berriedale Braes Improvement project which at its peak supported over 50 jobs during construction, has begun to deliver benefits for road users and local communities.  The road opened on Friday 21 August 2020 The improved road alignment, which involved removing an existing hairpin bend, will improve journey times and enhance road safety by removing the need for vehicles to slow down or stop to negotiate the bend.