The Department for Business and Trade launches the Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy, safeguarding UK supplies of critical goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors. Imports of critical goods for the NHS and UK manufacturing to be protected from global supply chain shocks, safeguarding business and consumers and boosting the economy.
Total pay growth fell for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting the fact that total private sector pay has been broadly flat since August, the Resolution Foundation said on Tuesday 16 January 2024 in response to the latest ONS labour market data. Headline annual pay growth in the three months to November dropped to 6.6 per cent, largely reflecting strong pay growth in the first half of 2023, with shorter-term measures highlighting an even sharper recent fall in pay growth.
CPI inflation increased slightly in December to 4.0 per cent - driven by an increase in Tobacco Duty and rising air fares - though it remains below the Bank's forecast path, the Resolution Foundation said today (Wednesday 17 January 2024). While the reasons for the rise were UK specific, the arrival of the first bump in the lower inflation road follows a similar pattern to that seen across the US, Germany and France with a surprise rise in inflation in December, with CPI inflation rising to 4.0 per cent.
Eligible low income households urged to make sure they get £150 in Warm Home Discount before 29 February. Low income households who qualify for the Warm Home Discount are urged to make sure they get the £150 discount.
Early estimates for December 2023 indicate that the number of payrolled employees rose by 1.0% compared with December 2022, a rise of 306,000 employees. This annual increase was largest in the health and social work sector, a rise of 203,000 employees.
In October to December 2023, the estimated number of vacancies in the UK fell by 49,000 on the quarter to 934,000. Vacancies fell on the quarter for the 18th consecutive period, the longest consecutive run of quarterly falls ever recorded but still above pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic levels.
Unfortunately we have taken the decision to close the school to staff and pupils, tomorrow, Tuesday 16th January. This decision was taken due to the weather forecast of further snowfall as well as the suggestion that our transport providers would likely not operate due to poor road conditions.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The Post Office scandal will be back in the spotlight today, when MPs hear evidence from a number of witnesses including campaigner and wronged sub-postmaster Alan Bates. Mr Bates, whose story inspired the ITV hit drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, will appear in front of parliament's Business and Trade Committee alongside other figures, including business minister Kevin Hollinrake and representatives from Fujitsu, which developed Horizon, the faulty IT system at the heart of the scandal.
The Scottish Parliament is currently scrutinising the Scottish Government's 2024-2025 budget published at the end of last year. One of the more noticeable proposals is a £200 million cut in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme which funds the Scottish Government's affordable homes target.
Sector colleagues come together to collaborate on future geological disposal research at annual Nuclear Waste Services event. Nearly 200 nuclear waste experts, students and academics attended the Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Research Support Office (RSO) annual conference in Sheffield from 11 to 12 January.
A report published today (16 January 2024) by Audit Scotland highlights the financial situation facing Scottish councils. Scottish Government will say the cash given to councils is at record levels but the report shows that for a variety of reasons the money is not keeping up wit the increased costs of delivering services.
An interesting article from Fish Farming Magazine set out how the business sees the current situation for their readers. Salmon Scotland's Chief Executive Tavish Scott explains the Scottish Government is saying the right things but needs to act faster After replacing Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister, Humza Yousaf promised to reset the Scottish Government's relationship with business.
Check your rail routes before travelling this week. Many problems due to weather mean you should check the Scotrail site - https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ If you are not used to this web site look closely near the top for the disruption messages.
People working in or entering Scotland's growing renewables industry will soon have access to a new training facility in Inverness. The £1.22m Renewable Energy Training Centre, being established by Aurora Energy Services Ltd, (AES) will be the first of its kind in the region.
The government launches a consultation on medical exemptions for fishers working on vessels 10 metres and under in length. Government gives industry a chance to have its say on concessions that would benefit fishers on vessels of 10 metres and under.
Some of you may have noticed that the front page of Caithness.org is having a makeover. From the time of the pandemic updates did not happen on our Caithness.org front page whilst other sections did.
Phil Anderson Financial Services, a leading financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of two seasoned professionals, Peter Brown and Kevin Philip, as Directors. This strategic move reflects the company's commitment to enhancing its leadership team and providing exceptional financial services to its clients.
From Caithness Voluntary Group Facebook page about a great success for the volunteer run Wick Development Trust. I thought I should do a post based on the recent post shared about the new facilities block at Wick River Campsite.
Nominations are invited from people seeking election to the Community Councils which did not form during the 2023 Community Council Elections and the ones that fell into abeyance. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.
