Birth rates are falling across the world. In many countries, populations are already shrinking, schools are closing, and labour shortages are growing.
Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, comments on latest data from the Nationwide House Price Index (HPI). “The latest analysis from Nationwide reveals a rise in house prices of almost £5,000 year-on-year (1.7%), but a dip month-on-month of almost £900 (-0.6%).
A business leader with decades of experience at the most senior levels has been appointed to drive forward the Government’s Youth Guarantee and ensure all young people have the chance to earn or learn. Marc Bolland appointed Lead Non-Executive Director at DWP, tasked with convening business leaders to help address the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
For both students and parents, “interest” on student loans sounds simple, but in practice it behaves a bit like slow-moving compound growth in reverse of what people expect. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works in Scotland vs England, and why compound interest matters.
The contrast between the UK and the Netherlands has become one of the most discussed issues in youth employment policy because both are wealthy northern European economies, yet their outcomes for young people are dramatically different. Recent UK figures show that the number of 16-24 year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) has risen to around 1 million.
The UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging levy for glass and other materials officially began in October 2025, with the first payments and invoices issued to producers. While the scheme, which charges fees based on weight, was implemented in April 2025, the actual financial obligations commenced in October 2025.
First-of-its-kind project to develop cutting-edge uncrewed underwater technologies as AUKUS nations ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2. Follows first successful submarine maintenance period for a UK submarine at HMAS Stirling earlier this year, as UK and US submarines set to rotate through the Australian base from 2027.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is structurally different from most UK universities. It is not a single compact campus institution but a regional “distributed university” model, made up of a partnership of colleges and specialist centres spread across the Highlands and Islands.
Scotland’s education system is increasingly showing signs of coordinated financial pressure across all levels—schools, further education colleges, and universities. While each sector has its own funding model and governance structure, the overall pattern is strikingly similar: rising demand, constrained public funding, and staffing decisions increasingly shaped by budget management rather than expansion.
Caithness has always occupied a unique place within Scotland. Located at the very northern edge of mainland Britain, it is a region of immense natural beauty, rich history and resilient communities.
The Bank of England's primary job is to control inflation, and one of the main tools it uses is interest rates. Higher interest rates tend to reduce spending, slow economic activity and weaken demand for labour.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal a problem that extends far beyond unemployment statistics. They point instead to a deeper economic and social challenge that has been developing across Britain for many years.
Just 14 per cent of the lowest paid workers feel they have significant influence over decisions affecting their work, down from 23 per cent in 2001, the Resolution Foundation said (Thursday 28 May 2026), suggesting worker voice has reached a new low point. Take it or leave it – supported by Unbound Philanthropy – looks at the increasingly important role of individual worker power in the wake of the four-decade decline in collective bargaining.
Thailand has become famous for using Scrabble in schools as an English-learning tool, and it has produced some remarkable competitive results. However, the claim that Scrabble alone led to “spectacular gains” in overall English proficiency is much harder to support.
Highland councillors have agreed to take forward a new planning policy aimed at reducing light pollution across the region. At a meeting of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee held (Thursday 28 May 2026), members supported the proposed Dark Skies Draft Planning Policy, which will guide lighting requirements in new developments.
The Economy and Infrastructure Committee met today (Thursday 28 May, 2026) and reaffirmed The Highland Council’s strong progress in delivering its Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan (STIDP), with more than £7 million secured to date through the Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF). The investment is supporting a wide range of projects across the Highlands.
Businesses urged to take simple steps for smoother trade with the EU. On 19 May 2025, the UK government and the European Union (EU) agreed to pursue a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.
New government guidance to help avoid fake fashion. This will support shoppers to make the most of the UK's thriving pre-loved market, after 1 in 4 bought a fake without knowing.
The argument from the Scottish Government is that Scotland produces very large amounts of electricity especially renewable power from wind and hydro. Yet Scottish households still pay some of the highest energy costs in Europe because pricing is largely set across the whole UK market.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, will transfer into public ownership. On Sunday 31 May, Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express will transfer into public ownership to deliver more reliable, passenger-centred services across the network.