More than five years into the homeworking revolution, a narrative seems to have emerged - of employees being hauled back to the office against their will. This contrasts with what COVID taught us: that people can work flexibly, benefit from not commuting, and even work for employers based far from their home - expanding the labour pool for employers.
Scottish patients placed at the heart of a multi-million pound study of weight-loss medicines. Scottish patients placed at the heart of a multi-million pound study of weight-loss medicines.
The MOD is announcing its new Defence Housing Strategy, with £9bn to improve over 40,000 military homes. New government strategy to deliver ‘generational renewal' to fix UK military housing and get Britain building, backed by £9bn investment.
Global stock markets are at record highs. Everyone knows it's a bubble, but no one wants to leave the dance.
Fraser of Allender Institute article looks at the budget on 31 October 2025. The article notes that while the UK Government has pledged not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of income tax, recent signals suggest an increase in income tax may no longer be ruled out.
From Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in United States raids outside Home Depot to UK Border Force checks on gig-economy riders, immigration enforcement is moving from borders to the heart of daily commerce and both companies and customers are feeling the shockwaves. In 2025, immigration enforcement stopped being invisible In the U.S.
Have you switched energy suppliers in the last few years. Many people have left unclaimed balances in the old electricity or gas supplier accounts.
Red meat prices in the UK have surged in 2025 due to reduced domestic production, higher feed and energy costs, and strong global demand. Beef prices alone have risen by up to 39% year-on-year, putting pressure on retailers, restaurants, and consumers.
UK insurance premiums especially for car insurance—have risen sharply in 2025 due to inflation, higher repair costs, and increased claims. Home insurance has remained relatively stable but is under pressure from weather-related damage.
Experts widely expect Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget to include tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at plugging a fiscal gap of up to £50 billion. Asset-rich households and property owners are likely to be targeted.
The £100,000 tax trap refers to a steep effective income tax rate up to 60% that hits UK earners between £100,000 and £125,140 due to the gradual loss of the personal allowance. Many mitigate this by using pension contributions, charitable donations, and salary sacrifice schemes.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has gone from a buzzword to a global race—and the UAE and Saudi Arabia are sprinting ahead. These two Gulf nations are investing billions into AI projects, hoping to transform their economies and become global tech leaders.
Fish prices in the UK have surged recently due to cod shortages caused by sanctions on Russian fishing firms and reduced quotas in the Barents Sea. This has forced restaurants and chip shops to raise prices, cut portions, or risk going out of business.
A new Scottish Government programme is expected to prevent up to 4,000 people from developing type 2 diabetes. The £4.8 million investment will offer education and virtual, app-based, individual consultations with nutritionists, dietitians and health coaches via the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) initiative to fast track proven healthcare innovations.
As of November 2025, most UK exports to the United States face a blanket 10% tariff, with some sectors—like steel, aluminium, and automobiles—subject to additional duties of up to 25%. These tariffs were reinstated in April 2025 and remain in effect despite a new economic deal.
The Good - Lloyds Business confidence rose in October, increasing eight points to 50%, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer. The rise follows a dip in September, with the uplift marked by increased confidence across several regions and sectors.
There are credible reports that parts of the disability‑benefit system in the UK especially the scheme for cars via Motability (which allows claimants of certain disability benefits to lease adapted vehicles). They could face changes in the upcoming budget.
Oh Budget Day, how grand you seem. A fiscal feast! A spreadsheet dream! With promises wrapped in hopeful tone, While wallets weep and pensions groan.
The House of Commons Library published on 27 October 2025 some interesting thoughts on the upcoming budget. Economic growth remains slow, productivity forecasts are likely to be downgraded and government borrowing is at almost the highest on record.
Following media reports early this week that Eastern Airways has filed notice of intention to appoint an administrator, and subsequent confirmation from the Civil Aviation Authority that Eastern has suspended all operations across the United Kingdom, The Highland Council has now issued an update on the situation for the attention of all affected passengers and stakeholders. The Highland Council has a contract with Eastern Airways to operate air services between Wick and Aberdeen under a Public Service Obligation (PSO).
