Tag: jobs

Decline in remote jobs could undermine Government plans to get Britain working, research warns

  • Findings from the UK’s largest mixed‑methods study of disabled remote and hybrid workers show that 85% of respondents say access to homeworking is essential or very important when looking for a new job
  • Nearly half (46%) of the participants in the Inclusive Remote and Hybrid Working Study want to work remotely all the time, with disabled women and disabled carers more likely to want to work fully from home 
  • However, analysis of Adzuna job vacancy data shows declining levels of remote job opportunities. In 2024/25, only one in 23 job adverts on Adzuna (4.3%) were fully remote – half the level seen during the pandemic peak of 8.7% in 2020/21
  • Growth in the availability of hybrid jobs appears to have stalled, with only one in seven (13.5%) job vacancies offering hybrid work in 2024/25
  • Researchers warn a shortage of suitable jobs could undermine the Government’s ambition to get Britain working, and echo a recent House of Lords call for Ministers to ensure remote and hybrid working is being prioritised to boost disabled people’s employment.

The Government’s plan to get people working could face a significant challenge as remote-only job opportunities decline, warn researchers behind the largest study of disabled workers experiences of remote and hybrid working in the UK.

Research shows that almost half (46%) of 1,221 survey participants wanted to work remotely all the time, yet the numbers of remote jobs in the UK have decreased drastically since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 50% fewer remote only roles advertised compared to 2020/21.

As part of the largest study of disabled workers’ experiences of remote and hybrid work in the UK – conducted by researchers from Lancaster University, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Universal Inclusion, and funded by the Nuffield Foundation – researchers studied job vacancy data from global job platform, Adzuna.

Remote and hybrid working remain more common than before the pandemic, but growth is slowing. In the year to April 2025, 17.8% of UK vacancies offered either fully remote (4.3%) or hybrid roles (13.5%), up from 3.1% pre-pandemic. However, fully remote jobs have fallen sharply since their peak, and growth in hybrid roles has stalled.

Dr Paula Holland from Lancaster University, who led the research, said: “The increased availability of remote and hybrid working since before the pandemic has improved many disabled people’s experience of work.

“Our findings indicate disabled employees gain significant benefits including improved mental and physical health, better work-life balance and increased productivity.

“However, companies mandating returns to the office have seen remote-only opportunities plummet. This could prevent some disabled workers from returning and staying in work. At a time when the Government wants to get people working, access to suitable homeworking roles can be the difference between working or not working.”

At a time when the Government wants to get people working, disabled workers report that access to suitable homeworking roles can be the difference between working or not working.”

Homeworking can support disabled workers, but only if done well

The UK Government has committed to supporting more disabled people to remain in or return to work as part of its wider efforts to boost employment by two million people to an 80% employment rate.

Disabled people currently represent one in four workers in the workforce, but the disability employment gap – the difference between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people  – remains at 29.8 percentage points.

A UK Government study indicates remote work could support people out of work claiming health and disability benefits. One in four respondents (25%) who said they are currently unable to work stated that they could do so if they worked remotely.

The recent House of Lords Home-based Working Inquiry called on the Government to set out whether remote and hybrid working are being considered as part of existing initiatives to support people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions back into work.

The final report of the Inclusive Remote and Hybrid Working Study highlights remote and hybrid working as a key part of the solution to improving employment outcomes for disabled people. Key findings include:

·        64% of fully remote disabled workers said their work pattern positively affected their physical health, compared to 31% of those working remotely less than half the time

·        46% of participants wanted to work remotely all the time. There was also demand for hybrid working: 25% wanted to work from home four days a week and 27% for three days or less. Only 1.6% wanted to stop working from home

·        Women, carers and people with multiple or severely limiting impairments/health conditions were particularly likely to report they only wanted to work from home

·        85% of participants said that having access to remote/hybrid working would be essential or very important if looking for a new job. 79% would not apply for a job without remote options

·        Black and ethnic minority workers and less affluent workers were significantly less likely than white or more affluent workers to report remote/hybrid working had positive outcomes for their health and employment.

Dr Paula Holland continues, “Remote and hybrid working can benefit both employees and employers. The organisations we interviewed reported improved staff retention and recruitment as a result of implementing remote working policies including reduced sick leave and improved wellbeing.

“However, employers must ensure disabled workers have the resources and support they need. Over half of survey participants reported reasonable adjustments to support working from home had not been implemented, and black and ethnic minority workers reported significantly less positive outcomes.”

Rebecca Florisson, Principal Analyst, from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University commented: “For many disabled workers, homeworking isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential to be able to enter into, and remain in work.

“Our research shows strong demand for remote and hybrid work among disabled people, yet fully remote job vacancies have halved since the pandemic and growth in hybrid jobs has stalled.

“If the Government is serious about getting Britain working, it must make sure the right jobs are available by expanding access to flexible work. Threats to cut disabled people’s welfare will not support them into work if the jobs they need simply aren’t there.”

Amongst its recommendations, the study calls on the UK Government to:

1.     Expand access to remote and hybrid jobs by making these and other forms of flexible working a core part of efforts to increase disabled people’s employment, including through clearing Access to Work backlogs

2.     Encourage employers to advertise flexibility upfront, including remote and hybrid options, particularly on the DWP’s Find a Job portal.

3.     Address regional inequalities in access to hybrid work through the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

4.     Strengthen reasonable adjustments, ensuring employers properly consider remote and hybrid working and meet their duties under the Equality Act 2010.

5.     Improve accountability, including requiring large employers to report on outcomes for disabled workers.

Simon, a graphic designer from Derby who has Long Covid, works in a fully remote job for a design agency. He said, “Remote work lets me work. I have chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS).

“Walking a short distance or going up the stairs can really exhaust me. Because I’m energy-limited, I need to budget my energy, pace myself and regularly lie down to rest.

“The adaptations I need are not so much equipment, but the ability to be able to take regular breaks throughout the day, where I can rest and recharge. Homeworking is much more tailored to my needs than being in the office.

“I can make the most of my working hours without a commute, so that means I have much more energy available to use for work itself. I’d find the commute to the office exhausting.

“Remote work has been a lifeline and my employer has been very supportive. Despite my health challenges, I’m just as productive working from home as I was at the office.”

Rebecca from Merseyside is a business manager in the public sector on a temporary fixed-term contract. She is autistic and has ADHD with comorbid anxiety and depression, she said, “I’ve been remote-only since 2020.

“I got an occupational health recommendation for permanent homeworking. The lack of external disruption allows me to better manage my condition.”

She has been looking for a new job for over 20 months, as she is on a temporary fixed-term contract. Rebecca continues: “I would be waiting forever if I only searched for homeworking roles.

In the last year, I’ve been offered four jobs but three have been withdrawn upon receipt of my occupational health recommendation.”

She has now accepted a new permanent full-time home-working contract at a lower salary than her current role, as she doesn’t believe she’ll find another homeworking job at her existing level that meets her needs.

Vera, from London, is in her twenties and works remotely for a healthcare company. Following stem cell treatment for her multiple sclerosis (MS), she was unable to return to a frontline role.

A recent study by the Work Foundation and the MS Society found that nearly half of people with MS (47%) look for job locations that require little or no travel.

“Remote work has made it possible for me to stay in employment — without it I couldn’t work,” she says. “While I’ve reduced my hours to four days a week, working from home means I can manage cognitive fatigue and rest during lunch breaks so I can stay productive.

“But I feel stuck, as there are so few remote-only roles. These are realistically the only roles I can apply for if I want to keep working and progress in my career.”

The report ‘Breaking down barriers: How remote and hybrid work can support disabled workers’ is published at: 

https://wp.lancs.ac.uk/inclusive-working/ 

and 

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundation/breaking-down-barriers.

Aldi store colleagues across Edinburgh to get another pay rise

Supermarket extends market-leading pay rates

  • Starting pay for Store Assistants in Edinburgh will increase to £13.35 per hour, with higher rates of £14.30 available based on length of service 
  • Updated pay rates for Store Assistants take effect from Sunday 1st March 2026 
  • Aldi is also enhancing maternity pay, extending full pay to 26 weeks  

Aldi store colleagues across Edinburgh are set to receive market-leading rates of pay as part of a £36 million investment in pay and benefits by the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket. 

From Sunday 1st March 2026, starting pay for Store Assistants in Edinburgh will rise to £13.35 per hour, rising to £14.30 per hour based on length of service. 

Aldi is also increasing pay rates for Store Apprentices in Edinburgh to £12.02 per hour. These rates are significantly higher than the minimum wage for a first-year apprentice. 

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. Their hard work and dedication is what allows us to offer customers the quality, value and service they expect from Aldi.

“That’s why we’re making such a significant investment in our promise to never be beaten on pay for our colleagues.” 

All Aldi colleagues will see their pay rise over the coming months, as well as receiving enhanced family-friendly benefits, with maternity pay extended to 26 weeks at full pay.  

Aldi also remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks to all its store colleagues – a benefit worth up to £1,470 a year to store colleagues. 

Those interested in a career with Aldi can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk  for more information.  


500 jobs protected at Grangemouth as UK Government partners with INEOS to save vital plant’s future

Vital chemical production at Grangemouth protected as Government provides over £120m support package in £150m joint investment

  • UK Government provides over £120m support package as part of £150m joint investment with INEOS to protect vital chemical production and 500 jobs at Grangemouth, plus hundreds more in the supply chain.
  • Unique plant strategically important for UK’s critical national infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, North Sea operations and modern Industrial Strategy.
  • Deal secures operational commitment from INEOS for the plant and multimillion-pound investment from the company.

Britain’s last ethylene plant at Grangemouth has been saved by the UK Government – securing 500 good jobs and hundreds more across the region in the supply chain.

Thanks to a landmark partnership between the UK Government and INEOS, the future of this vital site is now protected, sending a clear signal: this Government is backing workers and their communities across the whole of the UK.

With over £120 million in UK Government support and major investment from INEOS, the Grangemouth plant will stay open with jobs secured.

This huge win keeps the heart of Scotland’s industry beating strong, supports local families, and keeps critical supply chains running nationwide.

This package will help secure the site’s operations and contribute toward improving energy efficiencies, reducing carbon emissions and increasing productivity, helping to secure the site’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability. INEOS has spent over £100 million over the last year maintaining operations at the site.

The Grangemouth plant is vital for the whole UK economy. It produces ethylene which is essential for medical-grade plastics and use in the chemical supply chain. These plastics are also vital to key industries, including advanced manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, where they are used in nearly every product.

The decisive action from the UK Government is part of its modern Industrial Strategy, which identifies chemicals as a vital foundational sector that underpins the UK’s high-growth industries like defence and advanced manufacturing by producing the materials they all depend on, while also being essential to many supply chains.

The UK Government is backing the chemicals sector through the Industrial Strategy with targeted support to bring down energy costs, including through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme – which will slash costs for businesses in sectors including chemicals by up to 25% – and the British Industrial Supercharger, which will save Britain’s most energy-intensive firms money on their electricity costs.

The plant also links to the Forties Pipeline System, which is key for transporting North Sea oil and gas to onshore facilities. Without government intervention, the plant’s closure would have seriously affected hundreds of onsite workers, impacted thousands of jobs regionally, and devastated supply chains.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle formally announced the support yesterday (17 December) during a visit to the INEOS site in Grangemouth with the Chancellor and Scotland Secretary.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “When we said we’d protect jobs and invest in Britain’s future, we meant it – and this is proof.

“Through partnership, determination, and our Modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering new opportunities, fresh investment, and security for the next generation of workers in Scotland.

“This is about good jobs, stronger communities, and a modern economy that works for everyone.

“Our commitment is clear: to back British industry, to stand by hardworking families, and to ensure places like Grangemouth can thrive for years to come. Promise made, promise delivered.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “The UK Government’s decision to step in will protect Grangemouth as a site of strategic national importance and secure 500 vital jobs in the area.

“By partnering with INEOS we are backing the plant and its long-term future, giving certainty to workers and the supply chain going forward.

“This approach is part of our Modern Industrial Strategy through which we are working to reduce the cost of energy for industry and support manufacturing in the UK.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “We said we would stand squarely behind communities like Grangemouth and we meant it.  

“Building on the millions of pounds we’ve already invested in Grangemouth, this vital package protects our national resilience and secures the livelihoods of hundreds of people employed at the site way into the future.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “The UK Government is investing £120 million today to protect jobs and secure future opportunities at Grangemouth.

“Grangemouth has been at the heart of Scotland’s industrial story for generations, and today we’re ensuring it remains central to our future.

“This is a landmark moment for Grangemouth. This £120 million UK Government investment protects not just the 500 jobs at the plant, but thousands more across Scottish supply chains.”

INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “This £150m investment in the future of a major UK industrial site demonstrates INEOS and the UK Government’s commitment to British manufacturing. The support of the UK Government is welcome as we work to deliver competitive and efficient low-carbon manufacturing for the UK, long term. 

“UK Government support for INEOS’ investment shows the strategic importance of making things in Britain. It protects 500 high-value jobs, secures supply chains and preserves the industrial capability the nation needs.”

Through the partnership, INEOS and the UK Government have demonstrated their commitment to operating the site and maintaining jobs. The agreement includes safeguards to protect taxpayers’ money, such as strict assurances that the funding can only be used to improve the site, and also gives the UK Government the right to share in future profits.

The chemicals sector across Europe has faced significant challenges in recent years, including high energy costs, with around 40 percent of remaining European ethylene capacity having recently closed or remaining at risk.

The partnership demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to working with business to support Scotland and Scottish workers, and contributes towards government’s vision for Grangemouth’s long-term future.

This vision includes £200 million of investment from the National Wealth Fund to support new opportunities in Grangemouth, with projects actively being considered and around 140 enquiries already received.

Last week it was announced that around 310 jobs will be supported over the next five years by the Scottish company MiAlgae, that has started construction on its first commercial scale manufacturing facility that will transform whisky waste into fish-free Omega 3 following £3 million in UK and Scottish government backing.

To support workers at the nearby Exxon Mobil Mossmorran plant which is to close in February 2026, the UK and Scottish governments as well as Fife Council will set up a taskforce to ensure those impacted have the best chance of securing well-paid and valuable employment.

The Grangemouth Training Guarantee will also be expanded to those workers who provided shared services to the refinery, providing new opportunity across local communities.

The UK Government is also working to tackle the challenges of high industrial energy prices at source for Scottish and UK businesses through the modern Industrial Strategy, launched in June.

This includes increasing the discount on eligible businesses’ electricity costs from 60 to 90% through the British Industrial Supercharger scheme, and consulting on the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), which will slash electricity costs by up to 25% for over 7,000 UK businesses.

Robert Begbie, CEO Commercial & Institutional, NatWest commented: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, accelerating regional growth is a key priority for us at NatWest.

“We know that this vital funding will support Ineos Grangemouth in remaining a critical site for our national resilience and prosperity, whilst helping protect jobs in Scotland and beyond.”

Tracy Gilbert welcomes £150m investment in Scottish Floating Wind 

“Major Vote of Confidence in UK Clean Energy Leadership”

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith and Chair of the Offshore Wind All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), has welcomed the announcement of a £150 million public investment package into the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a project set to support more than 1,000 jobs and accelerate the UK’s position as a global leader in floating wind.

The investment, jointly backed by GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund, and the Scottish National Investment Bank, marks one of the most significant early-stage commitments to floating offshore wind in the UK to date.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This £150 million investment is a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s floating offshore wind ambitions and in the UK’s ability to lead the world in this technology.

“The Pentland project demonstrates what can be achieved when GB Energy and our public finance institutions collaborate to support innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.

“As Chair of the Offshore Wind APPG, I’ll continue pushing for the infrastructure investment needed to unlock more projects like this, because the benefits for Scotland’s communities, workers, and supply chain are clear.”

Plan for £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline reaches next major milestone

One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward.

The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive local living for residents and people in the surrounding communities will be achieved.

The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space.

This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes.

Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills.

At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility.  

The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities.

The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation.

This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December.

Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View.  A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026.

At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’.

The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds.

The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way. 

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh.

“We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills.

“The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally.

“Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.”

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline.

“Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure.

“Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains.

“This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.”

Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust.

The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities. 

Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040 and the Programme for Government, 2025-2026.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:  “For people living in Granton and north Edinburgh, this investment means real improvements to daily life. Families will have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to heat.

“Young people will get construction training and local job opportunities. Parents will see new safe walking and cycling routes to schools and shops and green spaces where their children can play.

 “Our support for this project is directly tied to delivering outcomes that matter to local people—improving health and wellbeing, creating jobs that go to local residents first and supporting community organisations.”

Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “This innovative outcomes-based Place Accelerator, backed by Scottish Government and partners, is unlocking new opportunities for people in north Edinburgh and delivering benefits for the wider city.

“We believe the Place Accelerator shows how smart funding and collaboration can turn ambition into action, helping create healthier, fairer, and more prosperous communities.”

Granton Waterfront Phase 1 Final Business CaseDownload

Gyle Winter Wonderland

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

This year, Gyle Shopping Centre is pulling out all the stops for the biggest and brightest Christmas experience yet! 🎄✨

Think sparkling ice rink, a traditional festive market, and a bar brimming with hot chocolate, mulled wine, and all your seasonal favourites – plus a visit to Santa’s magical grotto 🎅

We’re on the lookout for:

Craft makers & gifting stalls

Carol singers

Santa’s elves & ice rink attendants

If you’d love to be part of the festive magic, get in touch today. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!

Email santa@gylechristmas.co.uk to enquire.

Local tech ready for take-off as 14 projects supporting businesses and jobs unveiled

Communities set to benefit from better jobs and more opportunities in tech as 14 government-backed projects to support local tech sectors across the UK are unveiled

  • Government’s £1 million Regional Tech Booster programme gets underway to support tech businesses and founders, and grow local tech ecosystems
  • The projects across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England will boost tech growth, and create more jobs and opportunities for people and communities outside London
  • A series of investment events will also take place, connecting UK tech brilliance with investors, with the first in Bristol and Leeds

The projects – funded under the government’s Regional Tech Booster programme – will provide businesses and entrepreneurs with targeted training, expert guidance, help to build networks, and support to scale their operations from within their communities.

This is to ensure that the jobs and benefits of a thriving tech sector are available to people right across the UK, not just in London, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

These projects launch right off the back of UK-wide opportunities opening up for tech following the recent announcement of another AI Growth Zone, this time in the North East, and a suite of major tech investments across the UK, following the UK US Tech Prosperity Deal.

Regional Tech Booster projects will include a support scheme for early-stage gaming startups in Scotland, create pathways from further education to entrepreneurship in Lancashire, unlock growth for tech businesses ready to scale in Yorkshire, launch an AI innovation challenge in Wales, and accelerate the growth of the advanced connectivity technology industry in Suffolk.

Alongside the localised focus, some of the projects will also support greater diversity within the sector, with a focus on underrepresented founders. One in Northern Ireland will focus on boosting AI adoption amongst founders, and a West Midlands project will help underrepresented founders build up the networks and support they need to succeed in tech.

This comes as government’s commitment to promoting diversity in tech takes a leap forward, following the Tech Secretary’s announcement of an advisory group to be established to champion diversity across the sector and tech policy development.

Government is partnering with UK Tech Cluster Group to deliver the £1 million Regional Tech Booster programme, ensuring local expertise is driving the work on the ground in these communities.

The programme also includes a series of investment events, through a National Investment Corridors initiative, with the first 2 taking place in Bristol and Leeds later this year. The National Investment Corridors will put local tech centre-stage, boosting investment into the UK’s tech talent from beyond the capital.

Tech for Growth Minister, Kanishka Narayan MP said: “We want UK tech to grow and succeed from any and every corner of the country.

“It’s a no-brainer that supporting projects like these, and encouraging more investment across the UK, will catalyse our tech brilliance to boost economic growth and opportunities for communities nationwide.”

Dr David Dunn, UKTCG lead on Catalyst Pilot Projects said: “The sheer volume of strong applications we received shows there is a huge desire to grow tech ecosystems across the whole of the UK.

“As the projects are delivered, we are excited to share learning across other ecosystems – it is this multiplier effect of knowledge transfer that really makes the Regional Tech Booster initiative valuable.”

The Regional Tech Booster programme will also include workshops on tech ecosystem planning and sharing best practice for ecosystem development with authorities across the country.

Further Regional Tech Booster programme details, including investment event dates and venues, will be available via delivery partners, UK Tech Cluster Group, as they are confirmed.

TUC: National jobs guarantee can help “turn the tide” on youth employment prospects

  • Challenges in jobs market have been “long in the making”, says TUC – as it calls for ambitious policy response
  • The number of payrolled employees has fallen by 127,000 over the past year, but the pace of recent falls has slowed.
  • The employment rate rose slightly to 75.2% from 75.1%. The unemployment rate has risen to 4.7% from 4.6%, but this is offset by welcome falls in the inactivity rate to 21.1% from 21.4%.
  • Youth unemployment is falling and is now 11.6%, down compared to the same period last year (13.3%)
  • Real wages grew by 1.2% but real and nominal pay growth are both slowing

Commenting on the latest labour market data, which show some tentative improvements alongside ongoing challenges, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Fragilities in the jobs market have been long in the making and are another toxic Tory legacy.  

“But there are some positive signs. It is welcome that both economic inactivity and youth unemployment are down.

“And the government has started to lay the foundations to reset our economy with significant investment in public services, stronger workers’ rights and improving the support people need to get into work. 

“But the government must build on this with a national jobs guarantee for young people. There are still too many young people stuck out of work, education and training.

“We know that real experience of paid work is the best way to turn the tide on long-term worklessness – and that over time this investment will more than pay for itself.”

  • TUC calls for a national jobs guarantee for young people to build on the government’s Youth Guarantee.
  • NEW analysis reveals that supporting 300,000 young people through the scheme would pay for itself within a decade and deliver over £8bn of benefits in the years after – at a cost benefit ratio of 2.8 to 1.
  • Young people let down by 14 years of toxic Tory rule in urgent need of decisive action, TUC says. 

On Wednesday, the TUC called for an ambitious national jobs guarantee for young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs).  

The UK faces a growing crisis in young people’s labour market participation which spiralled under the Conservatives, the TUC warns. 

The TUC says this not only has damaging consequences for young people’s prospects – but for the country as a whole.

The government has “laid the foundations” to turn this around – starting with a youth guarantee programme to ensure every young person aged 18-21 has access to learning, an apprenticeship or support to find a job, which is being trialled in regions up and down the country. 

The TUC says this should be built on with a national jobs guarantee, which prioritises young people aged 18-24 who have been not in employment, education or training (NEET) for six months or longer and young people aged 18-24 who are at high risk of becoming long-term NEET.

This would offer young people experience of a real good quality job with a real wage; opportunities to gain new skills; and an employer reference – “game changing” factors for young people approaching the labour market.

National jobs guarantee 

While a national jobs guarantee would need upfront investment, TUC modelling estimates that in the long term the cost-benefit ratio would be 2.81, with the scheme paying for itself within a decade. 

Setting out potential options for a national jobs guarantee for young people:

  • 100,000 placements in a 2-year period would cost £1.03bn but return £2.9bn.
  • 200,000 placements in a 2-year period would cost £2.06 bn but return £5.8bn.
  • 300,000 placements in a 2-year period would cost £3.1bn but return £8.7bn

The TUC says the national jobs guarantee must be designed to promote good work including by:

  • Being paid decently, either at the national minimum wage or union negotiated rate for the job
  • Meeting local labour market needs with additional roles – so that money is only used to create jobs that would not have been created in the absence of a scheme, ensuring jobs guarantee participants don’t replace existing workers.
  • Delivering quality training that puts workers on a pathway to a Level 3 qualification and ensure the worker gets experience that will enable them to move into permanent work.
  • Being sustainable, so that the placement could transition into an apprenticeship, or with a guaranteed job interview at the end.
  • Ensuring quality work which adheres to health and safety law, is accessible and promotes equality, has clear minimum standards for quality and access to a union. 

The placements should be allocated proportionately across regions, so there are a greater number of placements in areas where young people face the highest risk of becoming NEET. 

Tory legacy 

The TUC says the Conservatives failed to support young people throughout the pandemic and ever since, leading to a sharp rise in the number of young people out of work, training and education   – leaving yet another toxic Tory legacy for this government to deal with.

Almost a million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), with the total reaching 948,000 in August 2025 – up from 800,000 in 2019.

The TUC says that overall disabled young people are the most affected by this crisis as they’re far more likely to be NEET (28.6%) compared to non-disabled young people (7.1%). 

TUC analysis also shows that there is a growing number of young people who are being failed by unsupported or poorly designed opportunities. 

Analysis of destination data for 16–18-year-olds who left education in 2022-23 found that a year later 14.8% of them had entered work, education or training but had not completed or continued it. This is up from 12.9% in 2017-18– and is far higher for those on free school meals at 26.8% and SEN young people at 25.9% in 2022-23. The TUC says this shows the need for high quality support in education and workplaces.

Another example of the toxic Tory legacy is the proportion of young women and men who have become NEET since the pandemic.

Overall, while rates among both groups have been growing, young men (from 11.8% in April – June 2019 to 13.1% in April – June 2025) are more likely to be NEET than young women (from 11.3% in April – June 2019 to 12.4% in April – June 2025). Young women however are more likely than young men to be economically inactive – not working nor looking for a job. 

Other risk factors identified by the TUC include: 

  • Having a below a Level 2 qualification. This is significant as, according to TUC analysis, 30.9% of 24-year-olds do not have Level 2 English and Maths qualification.
  • Having unpaid caring responsibilities

The TUC says the government should build on the positive progress in its Make Work Pay agenda to make sure more good jobs and training opportunities are accessible to all young people, particularly disabled young people and young women with caring responsibilities.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Under the Conservatives, young people were failed with many let down by the education system and stuck out of work, education and training.

“This toxic Tory legacy has hugely damaged young people’s prospects – and for the country as a whole too. 

“With the youth guarantee, stronger employment rights, an industrial strategy and apprenticeship reforms, the government has started to turn this around. 

“It’s now time for ministers to build on this progress with a national jobs guarantee for young people. We know that real experience of paid work is the best way to turn the tide on rising rates of worklessness – and that over time this investment will more than pay for itself.

“Young people across the country need access to high-quality training and decent, well-paid work – boosting their prospects and the wider economy as a whole.” 

Two new stores set to open at The Centre, Livingston

The Centre, Livingston, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the country has unveiled plans to open a new jewellery store, F.Hinds and a 380-seater Marble Buffet restaurant, which will be their first site in a Scottish mall, creating a total of 41 new jobs for the local area.

F.Hinds is a sixth generation, family-run jewellers which opened its first store in London in 1856 and now has 118 stores across the UK, the store will offer a wide range of products for every age, taste and occasion, as well as popular services including jewellery and watch repairs.

The 1,395 sq. ft. store, which will be located next to Ryman, is due to open in August, bringing six new jobs to the shopping centre.

The 15,770 sq. ft. contemporary designed Marble Buffet restaurant, which will create 35 new jobs, will be located above Nando’s on Almondvale Boulevard, and is expected to open in May 2026.

It will feature live cooking stations with skilled chefs creating a wide selection of dishes from around the world including Asian, Indian and European.

The announcement follows the arrival of various new retailers to the shopping centre over the past 18 months, including the first Cinnabon in Scotland, Las Iguanas, wellbeing store Rituals, Danish lifestyle and homeware brand Sostrene Grene, Pop Specs, The Designer Rooms and a 90-seater Starbucks in February.

The new restaurant will complement the existing diverse mix of over 150 stores and eateries at The Centre, Livingston, which includes Flannels, H&M, River Island, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Five Guys, spanning over 1 million sq. ft., with over 3,000 parking spaces.

In addition to welcoming new retailers, the owners, LCP, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, also recently announced plans to expand into the leisure sector.

The UK’s leading family entertainment provider, Hollywood Bowl, is set to open a 26,000 sq. ft. venue next year featuring 22 cutting-edge bowling lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner, giving shoppers the opportunity to ‘shop, eat and play’ when they visit.

Rakesh Joshi, Director at LCP, part of M Core, said: “We are delighted to welcome another fantastic restaurant, Marble Buffet, to our wide mix of existing places to dine out at The Centre, Livingston and also another leading high-street jewellery brand, F.Hinds.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all of our new openings continue to keep the shopping centre firmly on the Scottish map as the number one destination to visit and enjoy a great day out with family and friends.”

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to the opening of the jewellery store, F.Hinds and Marble Buffet’s first site in a shopping centre early next year and delighted they will be creating 41 new jobs in West Lothian.

“The new restaurant will give our visitors even more choice when it comes to enjoying quality time dining out.

“We will continue to strengthen the existing diverse range of eateries and shops at The Centre, Livingston, with even more exciting announcements coming soon.”

Jeremy Hinds, Retail Director at F.Hinds, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening a new F.Hinds store at The Centre, Livingston, a prime destination that aligns with our growth plans in Scotland.

“This new location gives us the opportunity to bring our extensive range of quality jewellery and exceptional customer service to even more people. We look forward to becoming part of the local community and supporting jobs in the area as we continue to expand our national presence.”

A spokesperson for Marble Buffet spokesperson, said: “This is a really exciting time for us at Marble Buffet as we countdown to the launch of our first restaurant in a shopping centre.

“The Centre, Livingston is the perfect location for us and we are really looking forward to welcoming customers locally, and from afar, who want to savour the taste of lots of different international cuisines, all under one roof, where there’s something to suit all tastes.”

Additional new openings at The Centre, Livingston over the past 18 months, include BeLeaf Juice Bar, Beauty’s Inn, Buzart, Afro Crest, Loris Parfum, The Watch Lab, Barclays Bank and Elite Smile Dental Clinic.

Scotmid returns to Fountainbridge 

RETAILER GOES BACK TO IT’S ROOTS

Get your baskets at the ready! Yesterday (Thursday 17 July), leading Scottish convenience retailer Scotmid officially opened the doors to its brand-new store in Fountainbridge – metres from the original headquarters of the former St Cuthbert’s Co-operative. 

Located at 112 Dundee Street (EH11 1FQ), the 4,000 sq ft store marks a return to the heart of a community where Scotmid’s journey began more than 165 years ago. 

The new store has created 26 new jobs for the local area and offers an enhanced customer experience with a wide range of fresh and frozen products, everyday essentials, and locally sourced Scottish produce, reinforcing Scotmid’s continued commitment to supporting Scotland’s food and drink industry. 

Scotmid’s much-loved food-to-go offering has been expanded for this location: 

  • Freshly prepared baguettes, hot breakfasts, salad bowls, Big Al’s burgers, pizzas, and hot chicken 
  • Costa Coffee (served and self-serve) 
  • Stephens the Bakers counter 
  • Tanpopo sushi and rice boxes 
  • Chopstix Express noodle bar 
  • Saltire Patisserie artisan bakes 

The opening forms part of Scotmid’s commitment to bringing high-quality convenience shopping and food-to-go options to local communities across Scotland. 

Opening day festivities included goodie bags for the first 50 customers and three hidden golden tickets offering special prizes. Scotmid also hosted an event in partnership with Re-Union Canal Boats, a local social enterprise.

Guests enjoyed a relaxing canal cruise through Fountainbridge, celebrating Scotmid’s past and future in the area. Re-Union reinvests all profits into local community initiatives that improve the area for everyone. 

Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “This new store marks a milestone for Scotmid. Not only does it serve the needs of a vibrant community but also reconnects Scotmid with its roots as Fountainbridge was where we originated in 1859.  

“We’re delighted to invest in Fountainbridge and offer fresh choice, value, and convenience.” 

The store is open seven days a week, including extended evening hours for commuters and local shoppers.