Pay packets are still worth less than in 2008 in nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK local authorities, according to new TUC analysis, published today (Monday 29 April 2024). The analysis of official statistics shows that 16 years on from the global financial crisis, wages are set to be lower - in real terms - in 212 out of 340 UK local authorities in 2024.
on 29th April 2024 Humza Yousaf SNP First minister of Scotland announced he is standing down. The announcement last week that he was ending the Bute House agreement with the Green Party started the slide to the end.
There has been a surge in numbers of people claiming disability benefits since the pandemic and projections show this is continuing, Consultation published on 29 April on proposals to move away from fixed cash benefit system towards tailored support. Comes as over 2.6 million people of working age now receiving PIP with monthly new claims almost doubling since 2019.
Find out if voluntary National Insurance contributions will boost your State Pension. The government is making it easier for customers to check for and fill any gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record to help increase their State Pension by launching a new online service today (29 April 2024).
On 25 April 2024 it was announced that the Scottish Government Cabinet had agreed to end the Scottish Government's formal co-operation agreement with the Scottish Green Parliamentary Party (often referred to as the ‘Bute House agreement') with immediate effect. This blog considers the cooperation agreement, the circumstances which led to it being ended and what this may mean for government in Scotland.
See poster for details..
The Big Issue magazine has outlined its view of the affects of the UK governments proposed changes for claimants. Forecasts show that the DWP's disability benefit cuts will not have the intended results of pushing people into work.
An article from spice-spotlight.scot. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently published the final report of its market study into housebuilding in England, Wales and Scotland.
The accounts of large companies in the UK are complete works of fiction. Now, I don't make that claim lightly.
From today, regulations enforcing consumer protections against hacking and cyber-attacks will take effect, mandating that internet-connected smart devices meet minimum-security standards by law. World-first laws protecting UK consumers and businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks take effect today (29 april 2024).
Hi folks, Crispin here, one of the editors at Unearthed. I'm writing to let you know about an investigation we've just published.
A far north premier of a new and unique film about Ramsey MacDonald. The film is based on original cine footage and exclusive family photos .
Tickets from The Flower Patch, River Street. .
We are starting another course is May for pregnant parents and their partners. This can be delivered 1 to 1 or in a group setting.
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The Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2024 is being launched today, with 16 exciting categories open for entries. Now in its 19th year the awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the breadth of industry talent based in the Highlands and Islands.
Vaping is now more common than cigarette smoking among young people, according to a new report coordinated by the University of Glasgow and commissioned by the World Health Organization. This echoes research that has found the popularity of vaping among young people in the UK has surged in recent years.
Wick St Fergus Church proposes to hold a free event, open to the public, with the primary purpose being to increase awareness of all the work that goes on in Wick and East Caithness by the many diverse, local, voluntary organisations. It is intended that it will take place some time in the middle of this year, on a Saturday afternoon for 2 - 3 hours and to encourage the community to pop in there will be two showings of ‘My Kind of Town' about Wick.
Eventually, most adults reach a point where we realize we are out of touch with those much younger than us. Perhaps it is a pop culture reference that sparks the realization.
A talk organised by Caithness Family History Society about Wick's well-known Trinkie Swimming Pool. Catherine Patterson of the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group will give the talk..
A talk organised by Caithness Family History Society. David Macadam will talk about his ancestors who were millers at Watten Mill for five generations..
Event held to raise money for Caithness riding for disabled.
See poster.
A friend of mine, on a recent trip to the gym, declined to use the machine for drying his trunks - that gym equivalent of a salad spinner which removes excess water from your swimming costume. His reason? The amount of "faecal excrement" it was likely to contain.
There are a number of new employment laws coming into effect this month that charities need to be aware of. Tracy Madgwick, lead HR consultant with Action Planning, rounds them up.
NHS Highland is seeking to recruit two independent members to the Highland Health and Social Care Committee. Gerry O'Brien, Chair of the committee, said: "The committee has a wide range of responsibilities for health and social care services across the Highland Council area and it is essential that we have the public's input to the decisions it makes.
For beginners and music enthusiasts interested in exploring lyric writing and poetry, this workshop is an introduction to the basics of writing a song. Part 1 of a 4 part songwriting series, this workshop explores different techniques for putting pen to paper when writing a song.
Come and have a go at traditional printmaking with Katie Squires, use Katie's own pre made lino print stamps and blocks with colourful inks to make your own prints. ‘I am a self-taught printmaker based in Caithness.
Come and join us for an afternoon of author talks! JD Kirk and Neil Lancaster will be talking about all things books and how they got to be where they are now. There will also be time to answer any questions you might have.
A joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football Association is supporting low-income families. Launched by the First Minister with a £2million Scottish Government investment last year, the programme provides before-school, after-school and holiday activities for around 2,700 children each week.
Gates open to members of the public at 7.30am, the show normally runs until around 5pm. Friday 19th July â Equestrian Events from 10am and gates open at 4pm for the preview evening which normally runs to around 9pm..
Wick Gala Week 27 July to 3 August 2024. .
The Games is the premiere sporting event in the North of Scotland. The prize money of nearly £18,000 is one the best in Scotland and attracts the countryâs best amateur and professional competitors.
"For the decades of pain that you have suffered, I offer today a sincere and heartfelt and unreserved apology. We were wrong." One year ago, on March 22 2023, the then first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, stood up at Holyrood and said sorry for the Scottish government's role in historic forced adoptions.
The newly relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a landmark collaboration with the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe which will open up the Film Festival programme in new venues across the city including non-traditional cinema spaces at Summerhall and the heart of the Fringe footprint. From August 15 to August 21 2024, the 77th edition of EIFF will see film embedded in the August festival ecosystem, allowing audiences to seamlessly experience the best of the Fringe along with the world-class programme of cinema at EIFF.
Chaidh ainmeachadh gun tèid 22mh Duaisean Ceòl Traidiseanta na h-Alba aig MG ALBA a chumail ann an Cathair-bhaile Inbhir Nis, a' toirt spionnadh mòr dhan eaconamaidh ionadail. Thug Mgr Thoumire, Stiùiriche Cruthachail Hands Up for Trad, seachad an deagh naidheachd do Bhuill aig Comataidh Gàidhlig na Comhairle.
Gheibh na ceudan de dh'òigridh ann an coimhearsnachdan air feadh Alba cothrom a dhol an sàs ann am Fèisean a’ tachairt rè shaor-làithean na Càisge eadar Nis, Port Rìgh, Inbhir Nis, An t-Òban, Obar Dheathain agus Glaschu. Bidh iad a’ faighinn oideachadh luachmhor ann an ceòl traidiseanta, dràma, òrain Ghàidhlig, dannsa agus ealain bho luchd-teagaisg air leth comasach.
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