A record 4,000 employers in Scotland are now paying their staff at least the real Living Wage, boosting the salaries of 72,000 employees and supporting them with rising costs. The milestone has been reached at the start of Living Wage Week, which celebrates the transformative impact the real living wage can have for workers and businesses alike, and encourages employers to sign up.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance leads UK delegation of senior figures to China, opening up science opportunities that both countries can benefit from. China is a science and tech powerhouse, spending almost £380 billion on R&D annually.
Environmental deaths in the UK are primarily attributed to air pollution, which the Royal College of Physicians estimates contributed to around 30,000 deaths in 2025, costing the economy billions each year. Other environmental risks include climate-related events such as extreme heat, which could cause tens of thousands of deaths annually, and pollutants from diesel emissions or home wood-burning stoves.
A direct trade route between Scotland and Europe could reopen under proposed changes in legislation. Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity Jim Fairlie has instructed officials to prepare a consultation on legislation that will enable the reintroduction of a ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk.
More than half of all babies in Scotland are now breastfed at 6-8 weeks, the first time this has been achieved since records began in 2002. Latest Public Health Scotland Infant Feeding statistics for 2024-25 show that at the time of the 6-8 week review, 51% of babies were being breastfed - 34% exclusively and 17% a mixture of formula and breastfeeding.
Sweeping reforms will strengthen standards and rebuild confidence in local government. Sweeping reforms will strengthen standards and rebuild confidence in local government.
The following information is for the period from July to September 2025. Annual growth in employees' average earnings was 4.6% for regular earnings (excluding bonuses) and 4.8% for total earnings (including bonuses).
The ReBuild Ukraine conference - officially the 5th International Exhibition and Conference "ReBuild Ukraine: Construction & Energy". It is poised to be one of the most significant events of 2025 for reconstruction, investment and infrastructure for Ukraine.
The Defence AI Centre has worked with industry to develop a new tool that will help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures AI technologies. The Defence AI Centre (DAIC) is launching the AI Model Arena to help redefine how Defence evaluates and procures artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Following a public inquiry held in Edinburgh, the current Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, Richard Turfitt, has issued a decision on the operator licences held by McGill's Scotland East Ltd and Midland Bluebird Ltd, trading as McGill's Midland Bluebird. The inquiry was convened to consider the operators’ compliance with licence undertakings, including the punctuality of bus services, vehicle maintenance, driver defect reporting, and overall transport management systems.
Scottish charities are set to benefit from changes to legislation which will raise the audit income threshold from £500,000 to £1 million. Secondary legislation has been laid in the Scottish Parliament which, subject to approval by MSPs, will come into force on 1 January next year.
In the shifting sands of the UK energy market, two of its most celebrated disruptors—Ovo Energy and Octopus Energy are facing existential questions. Once hailed as the future of clean, customer-centric power, both companies now find themselves grappling with financial fragility, regulatory pressure, and the harsh realities of scaling purpose-driven models in a volatile sector.
The government is launching its new Veterans Strategy to transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country £27m in government funding goes live for local bids, turbocharging network of recognised VALOUR centres. First Veterans Strategy in seven years will transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.
The government's Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
it's wise to increase savings now to prepare for higher energy costs through 2026 especially for households and small businesses. While the UK government is offering targeted support, it won't cover everyone, and bills are expected to remain above pre-crisis levels.
John Sturrock KC, who conducted the enquiry into NHS Highland bullying has written today (10 November 2025) in The Scotsman about the costs of enquiries and the need to find another way to deal with them. The bill for public inquiries is now running at more than £230 million.
Rural retailers can navigate rising energy costs by renegotiating contracts, investing in energy efficiency, and leveraging community support schemes. These strategies are essential in 2025, as energy remains one of the biggest threats to retail viability across the UK.
Tomato Energy supplies around 15,000 domestic customers, and 8,000 non-domestic customers. Under the Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) safety net, customers' energy supply will continue and funds that domestic customers have paid into their accounts, including existing credit balances, will be protected.
The National Crime Agency is warning that organised criminal gangs are actively recruiting HGV drivers to smuggle migrants both into and out of the UK. It follows a spike in arrests in Kent which has seen a number of drivers detained as they attempted to board trains or ferries to France whilst carrying people illegally in their vehicles.
Seven smart moves taxpayers and business owners can make before Rachel Reeves delivers her second Budget. With tax rises and relief cuts possible in Rachel Reeves' November Budget, here’s what UK taxpayers can do now to stay ahead.
