35 h. ago Brits face huge changes to driving tests with waiting lists expected to increase

The average waiting time for driving tests increased to a whopping 20 weeks in February, a significant increase from the 14-week average in the previous year, leaving thousands of learners waiting for a test

Politics

47 h. ago Exactly how much you will get on minimum wage with new increase from this week

More than three million Brits are expected to benefit from the increase coming into force on April 1

Politics

56 h. ago The jobs in high demand... because nobody wants to do them: Huge shortage of teachers, lorry drivers and police could push Britain into crisis

Since the first lockdown in 2020, the job market has remained rocky at best, with many young graduates facing the harsh reality that their career prospects may never fully recover.

Events

6 d. ago Allegations of Indian interference rock Canada election campaign

Senior officials warn nations including China, Pakistan and Iran could attempt to subvert vote with sophisticated toolsThe spectre of interference by India has already rocked the early days of Canada’s federal election, with officials warning that sophisticated efforts from other hostile nations are expected in the coming weeks.As Canadians prepare to cast ballots on 28 April, senior officials say that India, China, Pakistan and Iran are all expected to make efforts to subvert the national vote through increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago UK inflation falls to 2.8% ahead of Rachel Reeves’s spring statement – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news.Further benefits cuts planned as Rachel Reeves forced to find extra £1.6bnFive economic factors that will govern Rachel Reeves’s spring statementHere’s a chart showing the various price changes that pulled UK inflation down to 2.8% last month.Core inflation has also slowed in February, despite prices rising steadily in the services sector.“The Bank of England will be reassured by today’s fall in underlying inflation, with core inflation easing. We expect underlying inflationary pressures to fall further over the coming months. That will hopefully allow the MPC to look through the expected near-term increase in headline inflation and resume cutting interest rates in the upcoming May meeting.“Goods inflation fell to 0.8% in February, however ongoing trade frictions could push prices higher. With the potential imposition of tariffs, the cost of imported goods could increase, creating additional cost pressures for both businesse...

Economics

9 d. ago Average price of pint to surge above £5 due to April cost hikes, say beer bosses

The British Beer and Pub Association said the average cost of a pint is expected to rise by around 21p due to budget-linked cost increases.

Economics

2 w. ago Driving tests: Which centres have the shortest waiting lists in London?

There are several reasons why the wait time for driving tests is so long, from a pandemic backlog to industrial strikes

Politics

2 w. ago Falkirk councillor suffers 'overwhelming' abuse and hate after council tax rise

Independent councillor Laura Murtagh admitted she expected people to be angry after her 15.6% council tax increase - the largest in Scotland - was backed by Falkirk Council.

Events

2 w. ago West Lothian Leisure trust will have to cover cost of National Insurance increase

Kenneth Ribbons, the acting head of finance, said the arms length operator of the county’s leisure and swimming facilities would be expected to cover the increased staff costs from its own budget.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Watershed moment’: EU leaders close to agreeing €800bn defence plan

Show of unity over Ukraine may be hampered by Hungary’s Viktor Orbán but consensus has built on need for spendingEurope live – latest updatesEuropean leaders holding emergency talks in Brussels are expected to agree on a massive increase to defence spending amid a drive to shore up support for Ukraine after Donald Trump halted US military aid and intelligence sharing.Arriving at the summit, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was originally scheduled to join through a video link, said: “We are very thankful that we are not alone.” Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Council tax in one of the most popular parts of Wales could jump by almost 10% from next month

Taxpayers in Pembrokeshire are expected to be facing a 9.85 per cent increase in their bills, taking the average annual bill to well over £2,000

Politics