More than a quarter (26%) of trading businesses reported that their turnover had decreased in February, compared with the previous calendar month; this is down 2 percentage points from January, but in line with historical movements seen at this time of year. Approximately one in seven (14%) trading businesses reported that they expect their turnover to decrease in April 2025, broadly stable with expectations for March; however, this is 4 percentage points higher than April 2024, suggesting businesses are less optimistic than they were at this time last year.
Isabel Stockton is a Senior Research Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Responding to today's ONS figures on public finances, they said, "Today's data on government spending, borrowing and revenues underscore the challenges facing the Chancellor as we head into the week of the Spring Statement.
The number of payrolled jobs has flatlined and average total weekly pay levels have fallen by 1 per cent in real terms since October, adding to a picture of wider economic stagnation ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement and big policy changes coming into effect this April, the Resolution Foundation said. The latest HMRC payroll data showed that employee jobs have been broadly flat since May - growing by just 3,000 (0.01 per cent).
An update on progress for redress for postmasters subject to bankruptcy orders who are due redress for losses suffered as a consequence of the Post Office's Horizon IT system. Bankruptcy and its impact on the Horizon IT redress schemes is complex, therefore, the Official Receiver is contacting the affected former postmasters to help work through their options.
Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK's cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers. Global tech giant IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls - boosting diversity in the booming £13 billion cyber sector as more young people explore careers in cyber.
The UK Pesticides National Action Plan sets out how the Government will work collaboratively with farmers to minimise the impacts of pesticides on people and the environment. It will support our farmers, growers, and other land managers to manage pests sustainably, safeguarding crops and boosting productivity The NAP, which follows the ban on neonic pesticides in England, includes a domestic target to reduce potential environmental harm from pesticides Environmental risk from pesticides is to be reduced by 10% over the next five years under a new plan set out by all four UK Governments today (Friday 21 March).
Sky, BT, IMG, ITV and BBC admitted to breaking the law after colluding on rates of pay for freelancers. An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found some of the largest sports broadcast and production companies in the UK shared sensitive information about fees for freelance workers such as camera operators and sound technicians.
Gary Stevenson was highly successful trader and more recently makes videos about economics and is widely acknowledge to be on of the most successful at explaining the topic. Gary Stevenson (born 1986) is a British economist, former financial trader, and YouTuber known for his economic analysis and activism against economic inequality.
The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer. The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Fishers with commercial licences who want to apply for an authorisation to fish commercially for bluefin tuna in English waters in 2025 can start the process from 20 March 2025. Marine Management Organisation (MMO), in support of Defra, has published guidance to support fishers through the application process and explain how the fishery will operate this year.
Members of today's Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan These have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models.
Consumers appeared to be signed up for monthly payments without their consent. Concerns were raised that tech companies Affinity Technology Solutions Limited and RCSR Tech Limited were operating a direct debit scam.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. The MPC adopts a medium-term and forward-looking approach to determine the monetary stance required to achieve the inflation target sustainably.
New Keep Britain Working Review report reveals an increase of 1.2 million young people with work limiting health conditions Nearly 1 in 4 people out of work due to ill health are under 35 - underlining the need for government's employment and welfare reforms. Government to consider independent recommendations on partnering with employers to keep young people in work Follows sweeping package of welfare to reforms to unlock work and boost living standards as part of the government's Plan for Change.
The latest Scottish Government Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Information statistics have been published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. These statistics are based on data available as at 31 December 2024 and cover the diversity of Scottish Government permanent staff in core directorates, some agencies and some non-ministerial departments and the experiences of different demographic groups.
Anger has a bad name. Too often, we're now told being angry is unacceptable.
A video that outlines: -Context: U.S. imposing EV (electric vehicle) tariffs harming Japan's auto exports.
The government will introduce new fees for passport applications on 10 April 2025. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future. The plan - which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
Amazon is one of a number of retailers being shunned by consumers over its association with the Trump administration. Last week, 9% of US Amazon users planned to boycott it.
