News Archive

Emergency Budget Announcement: Expert Reaction To New Uk Chancellor's Attempt To Calm Financial Markets - Financial Market Reaction

Steve Schifferes, Honorary Research Fellow, City Political Economy Research Centre, City, University of London The government appears to have stabilised the financial markets with an emergency statement by the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.  The statement was brought forward by two weeks, in an unprecedented move designed to calm recent financial market turbulence in the weeks following ex-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's September 23 mini-budget.  

Is My Pension Safe And Will Mortgage Rates Come Down? What To Do In The Current Crisis

An article in the Guardian provides answers to questions many people may have on the housing and pensions issues.   Uncertainty is everywhere from financial markets and high street to households.  

Price Of Beer And Wine Likely To Increase As Jeremy Hunt Scraps Freeze On Alcohol Duty

The price of a pint of beer and glass of wine is very likely set to increase after the new chancellor scrapped the freeze on alcohol duty.   Jeremy hunt ditched the planned freeze on alcohol duty, meaning the price of beer, cider, wine and spirits will go up.  

UNISON win landmark legal case against barring employees from standing for election

Polly Jones, (UNISON member) was dismissed by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) after she told her former boss that she wanted to stand for election to the Westminster parliament.   Polly was legally represented by her trade union UNISON who say her case may open the door to many other employees such as civil servants and council officials who may want to stand for election but whose contracts currently bar them from doing so.  

New Report - The Aluminium Industry In The UK

The aluminium industry is a vital part of the UK manufacturing sector.  The strategic importance of this lightweight and highly recyclable metal looks set to increase as the UK economy moves towards more sustainable and circular models of production and consumption.  

£2,000 In Government Funding Available To Help With Childcare Costs

HMRC is encouraging families across the UK to not miss the opportunity for government-funded help towards their childcare costs.   Families could save up to £2,000 a year towards their childcare costs to help pay for October half-term holiday clubs and wraparound care during the school terms, reminds HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).  

Repeal Of IR35 Reforms Dumped By Jeremy Hunt

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has decided to scrap the plans to repeal the Off-payroll IR35 Reforms, which Kwasi Kwarteng previously announced in his mini-budget on 23 September 2022.   .  

North Coast Visitor Centre In Thurso Next Stop For Spirit Of The Highlands & Islands Immersive Portal

If you are looking for something different to do this October holiday, visit the North Coast Visitor Centre where Spirit of the Highlands and Islands will be showcasing the immersive portal until Saturday 22 October 2022.   The North Coast Visitor Centre, a great day out for families and visitors to the area, is one of four tour venues where people around the Highland and Islands can take part in the 360 degree immersive experience.  

Gender Inequality In The Construction Industry - The Future Of Diversity

When it comes to sectors that could still see a lot of improvement in gender equality, construction has a lot to work on.  Macdonald & Company found from their 2019 Rewards and Attitudes survey that the gender pay gap in the industry at 20%, which is higher than the UK average of 18%.  

Launch Of The Energy Markets Finance Scheme

HM Treasury and the Bank of England are today opening the Energy Market Financing Scheme (EMFS) for applications.   The EMFS was announced by the Prime Minister on 8 September, and in The Growth Plan the then Chancellor confirmed that it will provide a 100% guarantee to commercial banks to provide additional lending to energy firms.