"Right now, it is younger generations who are again bearing the brunt of economic failure." Paul Johnson writes for The Times. Paul has been the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies since 2011.
First Minister Humza Yousaf chaired a meeting on Monday 3 July 2023 ahead of potential industrial action by junior doctors later this month. The Scottish Government Resilience Room will be activated for a meeting to discuss the significant impact a junior doctors' strike will have on patients and to explore what mitigations can be put in place - while pay negotiations continue.
Licensing for businesses such as dog walkers, canine fertility services and dog groomers is being considered to improve animal welfare standards. The Scottish Government is seeking views on a proposed licensing scheme, which aims to ensure consistency in standards across the animal care services sector.
A report by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Public sector net debt stood at 100.1 per cent of GDP in May 2023, topping 100 per cent of GDP for the first time in 62 years.
NDA and Scottish stakeholders come together seeking to accelerate innovation through collaboration. On Wednesday 28 June, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the University of Strathclyde, welcomed over 100 stakeholders to their second Innovation and Technology Roadshow at the university's Innovations and Technology Centre in Glasgow.
Stronger economic growth is fundamental to restarting rising living standards in the UK, but must be accompanied by reform to our economy and benefits system if the rewards are to be widely shared, according to new Resolution Foundation analysis published today (Tuesday 4 July 2023). Sharing the benefits - the 40th report from The Economy 2030 Inquiry, funded by the Nuffield Foundation - examines what a plausible path to rising shared prosperity for the UK would look like, after 15 years of stagnation.
A partnership to support cancer patients and their families to deal with the financial, emotional and physical health effects of the disease is to be extended with a further investment of £9 million. The programme looks to ensure that everyone affected by cancer in Scotland has access to a specialist key support worker.
Home and motor insurers must improve their treatment of vulnerable customers and how they handle customers claims, a review by the Financial Conduct Authority has found. Following an increase in complaints about insurance claims, the FCA uncovered examples of lengthy complaints handling times and people not given appropriate settlements.
The average mortgage rate for a five-year fixed deal has risen to 6.01%, according to a financial information company. Meanwhile, the average two-year fixed rate mortgage has increased to 6.47%, Moneyfacts said.
From today (4 July 2023), vulnerable veterans across the country will have access to Op FORTITUDE, a new dedicated referral pathway for homeless veterans, including those sleeping on the streets. Op FORTITUDE - the pathway for homeless veterans - launched nationally by Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer to end veteran homelessness in 2023 The hotline is part of £8.55 million fund, which will also bring wraparound support services to support 1,300 veterans across more than 900 housing units.
Over the past year, interest rates have been rising rapidly around the world. The post-COVID economic recovery and Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused inflation to reach 10% or more in many countries.
The explosion of interest in artificial intelligence has drawn attention not only to the astonishing capacity of algorithms to mimic humans but to the reality that these algorithms could displace many humans in their jobs. The economic and societal consequences could be nothing short of dramatic.
Michael Silva, a graduate engineer student has been named as The Highland Council's Apprentice of the Year 2023. Michael joined the Council's Structures Section as a graduate apprentice in 2018 after completing his 5th year at Invergordon Academy, where he finished top of his class and was rewarded with "the Highest Attainment Award".
Councillors at yesterday's meeting of Highland Council approved the local authority's Net Zero Strategy which was recommended by members at May's Climate Change Committee. Climate Change Committee Members had reinforced the importance of making progress and agreed several recommendations.
Thames Water (TW), the largest water utility in the UK, is facing significant financial difficulties, according to reports. The company, responsible for providing water and sewage services to 15 million people in London and the Thames Valley, is struggling to secure additional funding to sustain its operations.
Scottish ferry operator CalMac cancelled all direct sailings from the mainland to South Uist, the second largest island in the Outer Hebrides, off the north-west coast of Scotland on June 1 2023. Disruption to ferry services to Scottish islands has been a long-term problem.
15% of SMEs that needed external finance and/or capital were unable to access it. Biggest barriers faced in sourcing external finance/and or capital were that it was too expensive, process took too long and a lack of flexibility with repayment terms.
At meeting of the board of the Hi-Scot Credit Union the directors agreed not to follow other institutions like banks to put up interest rates. Well worth checking what rates you can still get from a credit union.
UNISON, the largest union in local government, has served notice of intention to ballot members for strike action over pay in Glasgow City Parking and at the Emirates Arena. If workers vote to strike, the World Cycling Championships will face disruption.
Further education support staff are lobbying the Scottish Parliament last Thursday to call on MSPs to help prevent a crisis in Scotland's colleges, says UNISON. The lobby took place outside the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday 29th June 2023) at 10.30-11.30am.
