News Archive

10/6/2026

We can't overlook education and benefits if we want to reduce the NEET rate

The Resolution Foundation argues in an article by Alex Clegg on 9 June 2027 that Britain's growing crisis of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) cannot be solved simply by creating more jobs.  While improving employment opportunities is essential, the think tank says government must also reform education and the benefits system if it wants to bring the UK's exceptionally high NEET rate back down.  

10/6/2026

Seat the rich! World Cup ticket inflation reflects widening gap between haves and have‑nots

In 1994, the last time U.S.  stadiums hosted the World Cup, an average ticket cost US$58.  

10/6/2026

 
How to Get Your Event Seen in Caithness

Most community groups in Caithness work incredibly hard to put on events but many still struggle to get the word out.  The biggest misunderstanding is simple: Posting your event on your own Facebook page does NOT mean everyone will see it.  

9/6/2026

 
A decisive shift to power British AI: new £1.1 billion plan to back chip firms, boost computing power and skills for the AI revolution

New AI Hardware Plan sets out how the government will back British companies developing the chips and semiconductor technologies behind AI.   Ambitious £1.1 billion AI Hardware Plan to back British firms developing the chips and computing power behind AI.  

9/6/2026

Huge jump in the number of transport, retail and manufacturing companies acquired by foreign companies

The number of UK transport, retail and manufacturing businesses acquired by overseas companies soared in 2025 over 2024.  The international delivery expert Parcelhero says the number of foreign takeovers of British companies significantly outstripped UK acquisitions of overseas firms.  

9/6/2026

HMRC doubles funding for customers who need extra support

£11 million in grant funding available to help customers who need extra support.   More than £11 million in funding available for organisations to help customers with their tax affairs.  

9/6/2026

Unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children could get new rights under Government proposals

Government consults on new rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, including whether paid leave could improve job opportunities.   Millions could re-enter the workforce if better workplace protections for unpaid carers were implemented, saving the economy billions of pounds each year.  

9/6/2026

Should You Give Your DNA Sample To Companies Health Authorities or Not

This is one of the biggest ethical and privacy questions that has emerged over the last decade, and one that is only going to become more important as medicine and artificial intelligence advance.   The answer is not simply "yes" or "no." There are genuine benefits to sharing DNA data, but there are also risks that many people did not fully appreciate when they sent off a saliva sample to a commercial company.  

9/6/2026

 
Supporting young entrepreneurs - Applications open for First Minister’s Start Up Challenge

Young people from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds will be helped to start innovative businesses through the First Minister’s Start Up Challenge, which is now open for applications.   Delivered in partnership with the King’s Trust and Dechomai, the programme will select 20 participants for a six-month accelerated entrepreneurial apprenticeship, providing tailored support, grant funding, workshops and hands-on experience.  

9/6/2026

 
Britain's Housing Market - Preserve of Wealthy

Britain's housing market is changing.  Home ownership is increasingly determined by inherited wealth rather than earned income, while high rents, rising deposits and weak affordability keep many younger buyers locked out.  

9/6/2026

Garden Waste Permit price frozen for 2026/27 Season But Composing Is Free

Highland Council has confirmed that the cost of its garden waste permits will remain frozen at £48.95 for the 2026/27 season, maintaining last year’s price to support residents during ongoing cost-of-living pressures.   Garden waste permits are now available to purchase online at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or through the Council’s Service Point network.  

9/6/2026

Retail Sales Hot Up In May

UK Total retail sales increased by 3.7% year on year in May, against a growth of 1.0% in May 2025.  This was above the 12-month average growth of 2.0%.  

9/6/2026

AI Is Affecting Oil Prices, Wars and Many Peoples Habits and Beliefs

AI‑generated videos are already influencing oil prices, wars, and people’s behaviour, mainly by accelerating misinformation and emotional reactions at massive scale.  The evidence from recent conflicts shows that synthetic videos can move markets, intensify violence, and distort public perception.  

9/6/2026

Can You Turn A Hose Into A High Pressure Washer - No and Here is Why You Should Be Sceptical Of Some Ads

Can you turn a hose into a pressure washer with a cheap nozzle as some ads online say? Some are genuine products, but many of the adverts—especially on social media—are misleading.  The biggest red flag is the claim that a simple hose attachment can "turn any garden hose into a powerful pressure washer." The short answer is: a hose attachment cannot perform like a real pressure washer.  

9/6/2026

British Retail Consortium Warns On Guaranteed Hours Reforms

Two-thirds of workers choose their jobs because of the flexibility they offer, according to new polling, as the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns that poorly designed Guaranteed Hours reforms could put those opportunities at risk, and that the government must not regulate flexible jobs out of existence.   YouGov polling commissioned by the BRC found that 67% of part-time workers took their role because they needed flexibility around commitments such as study, childcare, caring responsibilities or other aspects of everyday life.  

9/6/2026

Holiday Bookings: Britain's Economic Crystal Ball? Why ABTA's Latest Findings Matter More Than You Think

There is an old saying that when times become uncertain, families tighten their belts.  One of the first things to come under scrutiny is often the annual holiday.  

9/6/2026

Agriculture emissions at second-lowest level since 1990

Total Scottish greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture were 7.5 MtCO­2e in 2024, the second-lowest level since current records began in 1990.  Emissions fell by 0.4% from 2023 as a 15.3% increase in fuel combustion emissions was offset by reductions across all other agricultural emission sources.  

9/6/2026

Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2024-25

Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released Domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2024-25.   The police recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse in 2024-25, an increase of 2% compared to the previous year.  

8/6/2026

Rumours of a 1% Cut In Capital Funding By UK Government - Will It Impact A New Thurso School Complex

For many people rumours of a one percent reduction in capital funding across all government departments by the UK government to help increase funding for defence spending may seem a long way away but it might impact on the proposed new Thurso School Complex.   It potentially could impact as it might ripple across many projects adding delays and time constraints and therefor push up prices.  

8/6/2026

 
Entry-level jobs support, AI bootcamps and tech training as government supports young people into the jobs of the future

A new partnership between government, industry and trade unions to better support young people entering the job market.   More support to get young people into their first jobs through launch of new partnership to reshape entry-level jobs in sectors exposed to AI.