Read what our people have to say about working for the National Cyber Force. Diversity and inclusion The National Cyber Force (NCF) is a partnership and, by its very nature, derives its greatest strength from the diversity of skills and thought.
The Institute for Directors (IoD) Directors' Economic Confidence Index, which measures business leader optimism in prospects for the UK economy, fell to -74 in September 2025 from -61 August. This exceeds the recent record low of -72 in July 2025 and marks the lowest reading of the Index since its introduction in July 2016.
More than 8,400 hectares of land has gone to new farmers since 2016 through the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) group. Jordan Duddy (23) from Carlisle became the latest beneficiary of the group's support as she takes over the management of Acrehead dairy farm, near Dumfries.
The Home Secretary has announced a proposed new contribution-based settlement model to reduce net migration, boost integration and reduce pressure on public services. To ensure people contribute to the economy and society before being able to settle in the UK, under the new model they will have to be lawfully resident in the UK for the minimum of 10 years, double the current period.
The Challenge - 22,000+ staff members and 1,900+ annual hires. Police Scotland's recruitment teams were spending a significant amount of time bogged down in answering repetitive candidate questions.
Legislation to transform homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. The Housing (Scotland) Bill will place a duty on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action.
Great British Energy to roll out solar on military land, schools and hospitals, and more protections for clean energy workers Great British Energy solar Communities across the country will benefit from extra investment in vital public services as more funding is confirmed for Great British Energy solar panels. Multiple military sites, around 50 more schools and over 70 further NHS sites will save money on their energy bills thanks to up to £75 million in funding from Great British Energy.
An additional 100 offshore oil and gas workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into the sustainable energy sector - following a £450,000 increase in Scottish Government funding. The funding has been awarded to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, a joint Scottish Government and UK Government initiative, in response to demand from oil and gas workers.
The Chancellor has today, Monday 29 September, announced a 'Youth Guarantee' for eligible young people, as well as funding to guarantee a library for all primary schools by the end of this parliament. Plans have been confirmed to double the number of people coming to the UK through high-talent visa routes.
A new batch of 23 projects will strengthen international space partnerships, develop national capabilities and boost economic growth, the UK Space Agency announced. This is the second round of projects from the successful International Bilateral Fund (IBF), representing a £6.5 million boost for UK companies and universities collaborating internationally on space innovation with partners in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Lithuania, Japan, and the USA.
The Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK's nuclear deterrent is secured through £2.5 million in funding, boosting defence jobs in Scotland. Scottish defence skills and jobs will be boosted, as the UK Government commits £2.5 million in funding for a specialist welding skills centre in Glasgow.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: "A year and a half of non-food deflation looks set to come to an end, as inflationary pressures spread beyond food. DIY and gardening saw rising prices, while some back-to-school categories continued to see reductions as retailers offered promotions on electricals such as laptops ahead of the new academic year.
Government invests £500 million into first ever Fair Pay Agreement in major milestone for care worker pay. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting announces a major £500m investment in Fair Pay Agreement for adult care workers across England.
An assessment of the government's plan to guarantee work placements for long-term unemployed young people by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The Chancellor has pledged to guarantee paid work for every young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without being in education or employment.
Workers and communities across the North East of Scotland will benefit from £8.5 million in new funding to support the shift to clean energy careers. Four projects are receiving funding this year through the Just Transition Fund focus on offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain development, demonstrating the Scottish Government's commitment to economic development and supporting communities through the energy transition.
Rachel Reeves at the Labour Party conference. "There is nothing progressive, nothing Labour, about government using one in every £10 of public money it spends on financing debt interest." She used this claim to justify "tough choices" and the suggestion that there is no money left.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has published its annual Defence Data report for 2024-2025, detailing defence spending from all 27 EU Member States. In 2024, defence expenditure by the 27 EU Member States reached an unprecedented €343 billion — a 19% rise on 2023 — bringing spending to 1.9% of GDP.
Passengers can now sign up for Northern Train's digital ticketing trial. travellers on Northern Trains between Harrogate and Leeds won't need to buy a ticket before hopping on the train if they take part in the latest trial of digital ticketing.
According to analysis published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in September 2025, the UK spent £66 billion on defence in 2024-25, which amounted to 2.3% of its national income. This spending level comfortably exceeds the 2% of GDP target for NATO countries.