News Archive

The Minimum Wage Is The Single Most Successful Economic Policy In A Generation, And Has Boosted The Wages Of Millions Of Britain's Lowest Earners By £6,000 A Year

The introduction of the minimum wage in the UK in 1999 is the single most successful economic policy in a generation, raising the pay of the nation's lowest paid workers by £6,000 a year compared to their earnings simply rising in line with typical wages, according to new Resolution Foundation analysis published today (Wednesday).   Happy 25th birthday to the minimum wage examines how the introduction of the minimum wage in April 1999 has affected low-paid workers in the UK over the past 25 years.  

Happy New Tax Year - Six Big Changes To Pay, Tax And Benefit Policy

The beginning of April brings a new tax year, and a flurry of tax, benefit and pay policy changes coming into effect.  Benefit levels are finally returning to their pre-pandemic levels after a difficult few years.  

Scotland Excel - Scottish Companies In Grounds Equipment Framework

Scotland Excel has just launched two multi-million pound frameworks that will support Scottish councils in delivering their essential construction and transport services.   The grounds and plant equipment framework has been awarded to 32 UK-based suppliers - 24 of which are Scottish - and is expected to be worth £32 million over its four-year term.  

Petal Fold Reusable Rocket Technology Successfully Patented Internationally

Orbex, the only UK owned orbital launch services and rocket manufacturing company, has successfully patented its REFLIGHT reusable rocket technology following patent approval in several European markets as well as the United States.  This protection was based on the patent grant by the European Patent Office.  

The WASPI Pension Row Has Highlighted Important Lessons For Policy Makers

An Ombudsman report into pension age change highlights big lessons for government.   The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been looking at whether women were properly informed of the rise in state pension age to bring them into line with men.  

The Effect Of Health-care Privatisation On The Quality Of Care - Published In The Lancet

Over the past 40 years, many health-care systems that were once publicly owned or financed have moved towards privatising their services, primarily through outsourcing to the private sector.   But what has the impact been of privatisation on the quality of care? A key aim of this transition is to improve quality of care through increased market competition along with the benefits of a more flexible and patient-centred private sector.  

Championing Care-experienced Children And Young People

Care experienced children and young people will receive further support to improve attainment, attendance and wellbeing throughout their education and beyond.   The Scottish Government will provide £10.5 million to be shared by local authorities across Scotland through the Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.  

Monthly GDP Scotland Estimates For January

Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.6% in January 2024, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician.  This follows unrevised 0.4% growth in December 2023.  

Highland And Islands MSP Rhoda Grant Refused A Meeting With Ministers As College Budgets In Scotland To Be Slashed

Highland and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant has hit out at a lack of engagement by the Scottish Government over planned cuts to UHI.   Despite consistent requests for engagement and discussion with Scottish Ministers, there has been no commitment on holding talks.  

North Highlands Team Headed For International Robot Challenge

NRS Dounreay and socio economic partners hosted the second FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge North Highland Tournament in March with local schools taking part.   The North Highland tournament took place in March at ETEC on the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) North West and Hebrides Thurso Campus.