Estimates from January to March 2025 include the full effect of the improvements in Labour Force Survey (LFS) data collection and sampling methods introduced from January 2024; however, estimates may be subject to the effect of further ongoing improvements. An increased amount of volatility will remain in the LFS estimates from mid-2023 and throughout 2024, so we advise additional caution when interpreting change involving those periods.
British investment boost in Ukraine to support security and prosperity of both countries. new UK package of support for Ukraine's immediate and longer-term needs at Ukraine Recovery Conference UK and Ukraine conclude historic deal for Thales Air Defence missiles, boosting British growth and jobs and keeping Ukraine in the fight.
The contribution of Scottish SMEs to the UK's national security was recognised during a roundtable held recently (7 August 2025) at Edinburgh’s Queen Elizabeth House, chaired by Defence Minister Lord Coaker following his visit to the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) take part in Government roundtable in Edinburgh, discussing how defence can boost growth in Scotland.
Scotland's councils urgently need to make progress with workforce plans if they are to protect services and financial sustainability. Staff are councils' most important resource and are vital in delivering services and meeting Scotland’s changing and increasing needs.
The UK has had its fifth warmest July on record, according to provisional Met Office statistics. This marks the sixth consecutive month of above-average mean temperatures across the country and the fifth consecutive month within the top ten warmest.
SNP ministers have been told to "get a grip" on NHS Scotland's use of external consultants after new figures revealed that health boards across the country have spent millions on external management consultants since 2019/20. The public money spent on consultants includes £97,000 paid by Public Health Scotland to KPMG in 2022-23 and £205,692 paid by NHS Highlands to a company specialising in conflict management resolution.
Tens of thousands of NHS patients living with obesity could get cutting-edge help to improve their health, thanks to a new health innovation programme being announced today (Tuesday 12 August 2025). New programme backed by up to £85 million from government and pharmaceutical company Lilly to test new ways to support patients living with obesity across the UK.
Early estimates for July 2025 indicate that the number of payrolled employees was 30.3 million, which is a fall of 0.5% from July 2024; this is equivalent to 164,000 fewer employees. The largest increase was in the health and social work sector, with a rise of 67,000 employees; the largest decrease was in the accommodation and food service activities sector, with a fall of 108,000 employees.
You will be automatically enrolled into your employer's pension scheme if you are 22 years old and earn more than £10,000 per year. Your employer must contribute a minimum of 3% of qualifying earnings to your pension.
Scotland's innovation success is increasingly driven by cross-sector, cross-disciplinary collaboration. No single institution or sector can address today's complex challenges alone — whether it's reaching net zero, transforming healthcare, or building ethical AI systems.
Gillian Martin confirms new Historic Marine Protected Areas in Orkney and Shetland. A World War naval base and a centuries old Swedish ship have both been named as Scotland's newest Historic Marine Protected Areas.
Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals the overall choice of mortgages fell month-on-month, as shelf-life rose. Average fixed rates edged closer to sub-5%.
Highland hosts 110 of the Highlands & Islands' 251 identified transformational projects, representing over £40 billion of potential investment and more than 11,450 direct operational jobs in the area. Across the Highlands & Islands, the total investment potential from 2025 to 2040 is over £100 billion, marking a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the regional economy and support nearly 18,000 ongoing roles post-construction.
Nuclear Taskforce interim report finds "once-in-a-generation" reform is needed to tackle regulatory barriers. Independent expert taskforce finds British nuclear projects are being held back by costly and complex regulation barriers.
Sky's standard terms allow mid-contract price rises by inflation (or up to 10% a year) without specifying exact amounts in pounds and pence. Ofcom's rules only require Sky to notify customers at least 30 days before a rise, not to highlight prospective increases or promote alternative deals.
‘Deport Now Appeal Later' scheme nearly trebled to 23 countries, with more to follow in the future. More foreign criminals will have their appeals heard from abroad, preventing them from gaming the system to delay their deportation from the UK, in the latest step to restore order to the UK's immigration system as part of the Government's Plan for Change.
Council tax bands in Scotland are still based on property values from April 1991. Despite periodic rate adjustments, there has been no full revaluation of domestic properties in over 30 years.
Scotland's mandatory short-term let (STL) licensing regime came into force on 1 October 2023. It requires anyone offering accommodation for non-residential short stays—whether a room, whole home or unconventional unit—to hold a licence from their local authority before accepting bookings or guests.
Brits save £400 a year by cancelling subscriptions - but still lose £61 to the ‘direct debit trap' according to HSBC UK research. Consumers are saving an average of £34 a month - over £400 a year - by cancelling subscriptions.