As the cost of living crisis continues, employers must recognise the importance of supporting their employees during these challenging times. From both a business and human perspective.
New Green Finance Strategy and Nature Markets Framework to develop growth of green finance. Plans to accelerate investment in nature have been set out by the Government today (Thursday 30 March) as part of its drive to net zero by 2050.
Cabinet of 10 will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers. First Minister Humza Yousaf has completed the appointment of his ministerial team.
The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2021-22 farm incomes that show average income rising to its highest level since 2012, after adjusting for inflation. Average farm income is estimated to be £50,000 in 2021-22.
Energy Security Secretary outlines steps to strengthen Britain's long-term energy security and independence to help deliver clean, prosperous future for the country. Ambitious plans to scale up affordable, clean, homegrown power and build thriving green industries in Britain have been unveiled by the government on Thursday 30 March - boosting the country's energy security and independence and reducing household bills for the long term and maintaining a world-leading position in achieving net zero.
Up to £30 million will be made available through the Fuel Insecurity Fund next year to help households who are at risk of self-rationing or self-disconnecting their energy use, First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced. The funding will be made available to third sector organisations in the next financial year to support the most vulnerable households in Scotland.
Uncertainty over the outlook for 2023 has increased in recent weeks, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute. The Institute's quarterly Economic Commentary, which includes an assessment of all the latest key data on the UK and Scottish economies, is published today.
At today's (Thursday 30 March 2023) Redesign Board, Members noted the progress to date on projects to relocate staff from Inverness Town House to Council Headquarters and on vacating the High Life Highland office building in Ardross Street, Inverness. Both the asset management and hybrid working target to achieve savings of £500k by April 2023 are on track, as is the full target savings of £1.3M by the end of the financial year 2023/24.
This article by Leila Roberts at The Fraser of Allender Institute shows just how pressure is mounting on the Scottish Budget from a combination of factors. It remains to be seen whether the new First Minister and his team can navigate the years ahead when demand for the new benefits are soaring.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant expressed her fury at the new minister for Transport Kevin Stewart following an intense round of questioning in Holyrood today (30 March 2023). MSPs from across the chamber clamoured to secure answers to the ongoing ferry debacle, which this week has resulted in a domino effect that leaves Lochboisdale with no mainland connection for six weeks, the Small Isles with a single weekly connection and a mitigation policy which places a cancellation hierarchy on those requiring transport.
The number of working-age people newly awarded disability benefits doubled between July 2021 and July 2022. This report from the Fraser of Allender investigates that increase.
Data on the difference in employees' average earnings from April 2021 to March 2022 for the NDA group. Gender Pay Gap legislation introduced in April 2017 requires all employers of 250 or more employees to publish their gender pay gap data annually.
Highland Council's Trading Standards and the Climate Change & Energy Team are joining forces to warn unsuspecting householders to be on their guard if they are approached by traders offering funding for the installation of home energy products. This follows recent reports that there may be traders operating in the area, offering free insulation, and heating and funding for solar panels or air source heat pumps, under Government funded schemes, saying they are working on behalf of Highland Council when this is not the case.
The Highland Council will hold a drop-in session at the end of the month to share the design for the pedestrian zone in the High Street and the Bridge Street/High Street junction, part of the wider regeneration of Wick town centre. The purpose of the session is to share more detail so the Council can finalise the design, secure a funding stream and move on to preparing tender documents and the construction phase.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., (March 28th) sold 18 Prime Cattle. Prime Bullocks (4) averaged 287.4p per kg (-11.1p) and sold to 301.0p per kg and £1,883.25 gross.
Adventure of a lifetime awaits, for young adults in the North Highlands. Local organisations sponsor sail training placements as part of Tall Ships Races 2023.
Before a crucial week of interest rate decisions for central banks, and on the eve of the emergency takeover of banking giant Credit Suisse, the Bank of England and five other major central banks announced a coordinated effort to boost the flow of US dollars through the global financial system. Their aim was to keep credit flowing to businesses and households during recent banking sector turmoil.
Mr Yousaf was backed by all 64 SNP MSPs and the seven Greens, with the two parties having a power-sharing agreement in the 129-seat parliament. All 31 Conservative MSPs voted for Douglas Ross.
UK economic forecasts have improved markedly since the September 2022 mini-budget. The economic recession may now be more shallow and public borrowing lower than previously expected.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled his Cabinet team with five members aged under 40 and, for the first time ever, a majority of women. In a Cabinet of ten that sees the Economy established as a portfolio in its own right: Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget.
