The latest 2021 figures released by the Scottish Government predict a good year for cereal production. Total cereal production is expected to be around 3.1 million tonnes.
The number of job vacancies in July to September 2021 was a record high of 1,102,000 - an increase of 318,000 from its pre-pandemic January to March 2020 level. This was the second consecutive month the three-month average has risen over one million.
Migrant families to Scotland could be better supported by series of changes to UK Government immigration rules, an independent expert group has said. The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Migration and Population has set out 10 proposals to encourage and support families moving to Scotland.
Those eligible for cervical screening are being urged to go for a smear test when invited as part of a nationwide campaign. With two people dying from cervical cancer in the UK every day, the Scottish Government campaign encourages people not to ignore their invite - even if they expect everything is fine.
The most recent data show the labour market continuing to recover. The number of payroll employees showed another monthly increase, up 207,000 to a record 29.2 million in September 2021, returning to pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (February 2020) levels.
Searching for funding is time consuming. The link below takes you to the Scottish Rural Network Funding page where you will find may sources to check out.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers to check that they have the correct information in order to complete their tax return. The deadline for 2020/21 tax returns is 31 October 2021 for those completed on paper forms and 31 January 2022 for online returns.
1,908 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 19,394 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 10.5% of these were positive.
Poultry keepers are being urged to prepare for avian flu and reduce the risk of disease in their birds over the winter. The UK's Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging poultry keepers to take action now to reduce the risk of avian flu over the winter.
June to August 2021 estimates show a continuing recovery in the labour market, with a quarterly increase in the employment rate, while the unemployment and economic inactivity rates decreased. Total hours worked increased on the quarter with the relaxation of many coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
The shortage of fuel at forecourts has been wreaking havoc in the UK in recent days, leading to long queues and forcing many stations to close. The main reasons being cited in the media are too few lorry drivers to replenish forecourt stocks, coupled with temporary spikes in fuel demand that have been magnified by panic-buying.
2,297 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 21,229 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 11.4% of these were positive.
2,363 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 29,419 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 8.7% of these were positive.
9-16 October. Entry is free.
The Scottish Government is asking what types of wellbeing support health and social care staff need the most from the recent £300 million announcement of a Winter Support Package. Following the announcement of a further £4 million for workforce wellbeing, health boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are being invited to identify the services which would most assist their staff.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has called for an urgent meeting with her UK Government counterpart as concern over the impact of a shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) supplies on the food and drink sector continues to grow. She highlighted the short-term deal with carbon dioxide manufacturer, CF Fertilisers is drawing to a close - with no information on contingency plans.
The first recipients of a fund set up to help Scotland's manufacturing industries reduce emissions have been announced. Eight companies will share £3.4 million through the first round of the Scottish Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (SIETF), with additional private funding bringing total investment across the projects to more than £10 million.
2,417 new cases of COVID-19 reported. 31,935 new tests for COVID-19 that reported results 8.1% of these were positive.
Articles are coming faster and faster detailing why prices of almost everything look set to rise up to next April 2022. Energy prices are making the big headlines in recent months as more and more smaller energy companies throw in the towel.
Statement from Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy - BEIS on roundtable discussions between the Business Secretary and representatives from energy intensive industries. Today the Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng met with representatives from energy intensive industries, such as steel, cement and chemicals, to discuss high global gas prices as part of his ongoing engagement with industry.
