News Archive
12/7/2025
The largest event ever hosted in Orkney begins today, as part of four years of international sport in Scotland which are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and provide a significant economic boost. Orkney is welcoming more than 1,600 athletes from 24 island groups for the 20th International Island Games, which run until 18 July.
12/7/2025
Scotland's labour market has remained resilient at the start of 2025 in the face of elevated economic uncertainty, however there are indications that conditions have slightly softened over the past year. Based on the Labour Force Survey for February to April, Scotland's unemployment rate (4.2%) rose 0.4 percentage points (p.p) over the quarter but is 0.6 p.p lower than at the same time last year.
12/7/2025
The Scottish Consumer Sentiment Indicator rose to ‑5.5 in May, following its sharp drop in April. Consumer Sentiment The Scottish Consumer Sentiment Indicator reflects how people feel the economy is performing, how secure they feel about their household finances and how relaxed they feel about spending money.
12/7/2025
The report provides a summary of latest key economic statistics, forecasts and analysis on the Scottish economy as at July 2025. This edition of the Scottish Economic Bulletin focusses on latest economic indicators during the second quarter of the year in which we have seen further volatility in the global economic landscape.
12/7/2025
Global and domestic headwinds are expected to weigh on the economic growth outlook. Events in the Middle East over the past month and the subsequent volatility in global financial markets, alongside further developments in US international trade policy, continue to emphasise the scale of uncertainty in the global economic outlook.
11/7/2025
Yesterday 10 July 2025 the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. The leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.
11/7/2025
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President of the French Republic met 10 July 2025 in Downing Street for the 37th UK-France Summit. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President of the French Republic met today in Downing Street for the 37th UK-France Summit.
11/7/2025
The Prime Minister and French President Macron agree to return illegal migrants to France. The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to take forward a groundbreaking partnership to address illegal Channel crossings and dismantle the people smuggling networks.
11/7/2025
Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures. New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas.
11/7/2025
A statement of ambition on upcoming plastic pollution treaty negotiations signed by leading businesses and financial institutions. On 24 June 2025 Defra held a roundtable ahead of the second part of the fifth session of negotiations to agree a global plastics treaty (INC-5.2).
11/7/2025
Thousands of disabled people and people with complex health conditions to receive help finding secure, well-paid jobs. Latest cash boost will be delivered to four areas in England as part of the Connect to Work programme Comes as part of £3.8 billion employment support package over this parliament for sick or disabled people, unlocking work and boosting living standards through the Plan for Change.
11/7/2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill delivers on manifesto commitment to de-centralise power and ignite regional growth with powers for mayors. Ambition for all regions to take the reins in driving growth receives its biggest boost as the landmark English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is introduced to Parliament [Thursday 10th July].
11/7/2025
Overall retail footfall increased by 1% in the week to 6 July 2025 compared with the previous week and increased by 4% when compared with the equivalent week of 2024; high street footfall saw the biggest increase when compared with the equivalent week of 2024 at 5%, while retail park and shopping centre footfall increased by 3% and 2% respectively (MRI OnLocation). Total Revolut debit card expenditure increased by 2% in the week to 6 July 2025 compared with the previous week and increased by 14% when compared with the equivalent week of 2024 (Revolut).
11/7/2025
Statement by the United Kingdom and the French Republic on Nuclear Policy and Cooperation - July 2025. The President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom reaffirm their longstanding and resolute commitment to nuclear cooperation.
11/7/2025
Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% in May 2025, following an unrevised fall of 0.3% in April 2025 and growth of 0.4% in March 2025 (revised up from 0.2% in our previous publication). Real GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.5% in the three months to May 2025, compared with the three months to February 2025, largely driven by growth in the services sector in this period.
11/7/2025
Monthly production output was estimated to have decreased 0.9% in May 2025; this follows falls in April 2025 (down 0.6%) and March 2025 (down 0.2%). The fall in monthly output in May 2025 resulted from decreases in "manufacturing" (down 1.0%) and "mining and quarrying" (down 3.2%); these were partially offset by an increase in "water supply and sewerage" (up 0.8%) and "electricity and gas" (up 0.3%).
11/7/2025
The value of goods imports increased by £0.6 billion (1.2%) in May 2025, with a rise in imports from both EU and non-EU countries. The value of goods exports increased by £0.6 billion (2.2%) in May 2025, with an increase in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.
11/7/2025
Will you still get a UK state pension when you retire? With means testing, cuts and even abolition on the table, many are worried — and rightly so. In this video, I break down the risks, what recent surveys show, and how it could damage the whole economy if the pension system collapses..
11/7/2025
Monthly construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.6% in May 2025; this follows three consecutive periods of growth, including an increase of 0.8% in April 2025. The decrease in monthly output in May 2025 came solely from a decrease in repair and maintenance (2.1% fall), as new work increased by 0.6%.
11/7/2025
Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have fallen by 2.7% in May 2025, following a rise of 1.3% in April 2025 (revised up from a rise of 1.2% in our last bulletin). Food store sales volumes fell back in May.