Your work environment and the people you work with can make all the difference to how productive you are on a day to day basis. And as the year draws to a close it's a great time to reflect on what habits and characteristics of behaviour we want to carry into the new year.
New report reveals concern that housing developments in Scotland are built too quickly, without consideration for supporting infrastructure or creating a sense of community. Two-thirds of people in Scotland feel that too much focus is being placed solely on the construction of new homes, as opposed to rounded communities with supporting infrastructure, a new report has found.
The Chief Statistician has released statistics showing that the economy in Scotland grew by 0.3% during the third quarter of 2019, covering the period July to September. During the third quarter output in the construction sector remained flat, output in production grew by 0.9% and output in the services sector grew by 0.2%.
Representatives from across Scottish society are to be invited by the Scottish Government to identify responses to the UK election result, and to the prospect of Scotland being removed from the European Union against its will. The discussions with groups from across civic society will include trades unions, the business community, local government, and religious and minority groups.
The traditional end-of-year European Union fishery negotiations have concluded with agreement on a range of quotas and management measures. But the talks - potentially Scotland's last as a member of the EU - took place against difficult scientific advice.
What are the elements of a good design? Who is going to design your new house? Do you need an architect? There are number of constraints on design: Standard House Types Most self-build package providers offer standard house designs but you need to be sure they suit both your site and personal needs. This said, most providers will either modify their standard designs or create bespoke designs.
Audit Scotland today (17 December 2019) has published its report on Scottish Councils funding highlighting the problems of ever decreasing budgets. Despite the last few years of redesign and cuts more is necessary unless Scottish Government increases funding.
Thousands of dangerous cars on the roads this Christmas Drivers are being urged to check their vehicles before taking to the roads this Christmas, as figures show almost 50,000 cars that were late for their MOT test last December were classified as dangerous. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) statistics reveal that in December 2018 of the 1.5 million cars tested, 385,859 had a late MOT and were driven illegally.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (December, 17th) sold 12 prime cattle. Prime heifers (12) averaged 196.6p (-0.9p) and sold to 204.0p per kg and £1,254.00 gross.
The latest Economic commentary has today been published by Fraser of Allender Institute. The outcome of the UK General Election has resolved one element of uncertainty in the UK economic policy landscape - the UK will now leave the European Union on the 31st January 2019.
As Highland Council prepares to begin its budget engagement process in January 2020, the local authority notes the recent Accounts Commission report published this week. A call from the Chair of the Accounts Commission, Graham Sharp, who said,"There's a need for councils to continue rethinking how they deliver services, as well as look at ways to increase their income.
Main points for August to October 2019. The UK employment rate was estimated at 76.2%, 0.4 percentage points higher than a year earlier but little changed on the previous quarter; despite just reaching a new record high, the employment rate has been broadly flat over the last few quarters.
The Office For National Statistics publishes a wide range of information and a few blogs. Hiding in plain sight? Why economically inactive people aren't in ‘hidden unemployment' by David Freeman.
From the 3rd February 2020, The Highland Council will be introducing changes at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC). These changes will be introduced in two phases with phase one focussing on vehicle restrictions which will commence on 3rd February 2020.
The number of Highland Council's strategic committees will increase whilst the number of committee members on each will reduce. This is part of the initiatives to improve performance an save money.
Fisheries Talks Conclude - Deal Reached Between Norway And EU Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing has expressed disappointment at the outcome of fishery negotiations between Norway and the European Union, which have concluded after a third round of talks in Brussels. A significant 50% cut in the North Sea cod quota for 2020 was agreed, reflecting scientific advice on declining numbers.
Strategic priorities set direction for police over the next six years. Policing priorities to ensure the service responds to future demands over the next six years have been published.
Highlands and Islands MSP, David Stewart, is still to get a reply from the Scottish Government about if it was asked by NHS Highland to step in to fund a compensation scheme for bullying and harassment victims. Mr Stewart, who is also Labour's Shadow Public Health Minister, put down a Parliamentary Question on November 26, but, despite Health Secretary Jeane Freeman saying it would be answered on December 11, she has now said she will reply "as soon as possible".
The need for planning permission could be removed for certain types of rural developments to help tackle depopulation and support local economies. Small scale developments such as the conversion of agricultural buildings to deliver more homes in rural areas could automatically be given the go-ahead under a review of planning laws.
UK's first integrated workforce plan published. Scotland will introduce the UK’s first integrated health and social care workforce plan, which includes the creation of a new national thrombectomy service.
