The first Private Members Bill of this Parliament has passed all stages in the Houses of Commons and Lords. The bill, proposed by Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith Tracy Gilbert, will make it easier for voters in Scotland and Wales to apply for a postal or proxy vote in devolved elections next year.
The Private Member’s Bill, Absent Voting (Scotland and Wales) Bill, passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords today (Friday 24 October). As no changes were made to the Bill in the House of Lords it will now go forward for Royal Assent.
Tracy Gilbert MP was drawn 12th in the Private Members Bill ballot last September. Twenty MPs are drawn in the ballot, giving them a right to introduce a bill.
Ms. Gilbert’s bill will allow voters to apply for a postal or proxy vote online, making it easier for voters to participate in elections and ending the anomaly in Scotland and Wales where voters can apply online for UK Parliament elections but not devolved elections.
Currently, voters must apply for a proxy vote by sending a physical letter. This can make the process difficult for people with disabilities or for those living outside the country. This necessary legislative change means voters will now be able to apply online for a postal or proxy vote for Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru elections next year.
During the passage of the bill through Parliament, Gilbert won cross-party praise for her bill being called a ‘modern day chartist woman’ by Tonia Antoniazzi MP.
Tracy Gilbert MPsaid: “I’m thrilled that my Private Member’s Bill is the first of this Parliament to pass both Houses of Parliament. I am grateful for the cross-party support the Bill has received.
“My bill will simplify the process for applying for a postal or proxy vote in next year’s Scottish and Welsh Parliament elections by enabling voters to apply online, extending access to democracy.”
European leaders set to arrive in London today for a meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter
Global leaders set to convene this afternoon both in person in London, and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin
Prime Minister will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities
Meeting comes as the Prime Minister announces acceleration of missile delivery programme to deliver 140 lightweight-multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, supporting UK jobs
PILING PRESSURE ON PUTIN?
European leaders are set to arrive in London today for a critical meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter.
Leaders will convene this afternoon, both in person and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week.
The London hosted meeting comes after Putin proved yet again that he is not serious about ending his illegal war, failing to engage with President Trump’s most recent proposals for meaningful peace talks.
Leaders are expected to use the meeting to focus the world’s attention on how they can further strengthen Ukraine’s hand and cripple Russia’s ability to continue to wage war.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin, and his depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.
“Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.
“From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.
“After all, Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the frontline of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.”
In the past fortnight, the international community has stepped up its decisive action to force President Putin back to the negotiating table and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
That has included the US’ decisive action this week to place a chokehold round Putin’s finance flows and sanction two of the largest Russian oil companies, following the UK action taken last week.
The European Union has also adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia, further targeting the Russian oil trade and cracking down on financial loopholes, and Ukraine’s allies have accelerated work to use the full value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine – a move that would be unprecedented and finance Ukraine’s war efforts for years to come.
The government has been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as well as the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, are all expected to attend the meeting in person at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today.
They will be greeted by children from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, which has welcomed hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
A further 20 leaders are expected to dial into the call.
During the call, the Prime Minister is expected to call on leaders to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. He will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week.
Leaders will also discuss how more can be done to protect energy infrastructure, as Russia continues to systematically destroy critical national infrastructure, plunging millions of innocent Ukrainians into the cold and dark.
The Prime Minister will announce that a UK missile building programme has been accelerated to deliver more than 100 extra air defence missiles ahead of schedule to bolster Ukraine’s defences through the depths of winter.
The package forms part of the £1.6bn deal between UK industry and Ukraine in March to provide more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to support Ukraine’s defence, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast.
The contract tripled the LMM production capacity and as work has progressed quicker than expected the delivery of an extra 140 LMMs will be accelerated to provide to Ukraine in the winter months.
New bereavement and pregnancy protections to be shaped by businesses and workers
Public invited to share views on reforms including dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work, and bereavement leave.
Business and workers to shape trade union reforms, including employer duty to inform workers of their right to join a union.
Reforms will help establish a modern-day workplace, central to the Government’s vision of growth and national renewal as part of the Plan for Change.
Businesses and workers are today [Thursday 23 October] being asked to share their views on how employment reforms, including bereavement leave and enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, should work in practice.
Every parent should feel secure at work. Yet thousands of pregnant women and new mothers face significant risks to their job security – research has found up to 54,000 mothers a year may be dismissed, made redundant or treated so poorly at work they have felt they have to leave.
New legislation will make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, those on maternity leave, and mothers returning to work for at least six months, except in specific circumstances. Today’s consultation will seek views on how this should work in practice.
The UK Government’s plan to Make Work Pay will bring our employment rights’ legislation into the 21st century, extending the employment protections already given by the best British companies to millions more workers across the country.
Business Secretary, Peter Kyle said: “Many, many businesses already ensure their employees have security and dignity at work. That is particularly important in the precious early days of having children or, at the other end of the spectrum, if they experience tragedy and grief.
“What we’re launching today are vital steps to ensure everyone gets that dignity at work and feels the benefits of economic growth, delivering on our Plan for Change.
“We’re committed to working in full partnership with businesses and unions to get the detail right on these reforms, because strong employment rights and a growing economy go hand in hand.”
Reforms will also be introduced to ensure workers have a right to time away from work to grieve – including those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
The loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience that impacts everyone differently. In some cases, people may need to take time and space away from work to grieve; while in other cases, people may prefer to continue working as normal.
There will also be the chance for stakeholders to feed in views on a new duty for workers to be informed by their employers of their right to join a trade union, as well as on the new framework that allows trade unions to request access to a workplace.
Employment Rights Minister, Kate Dearden said: “No family should ever be denied the time and space to grieve – and no mother should face penalties at work for choosing to have children.
“I know brilliant businesses and unions across the country will welcome the chance to give their views on these reforms – those who know that happy, well-paid and loyal staff are at the heart of building successful companies, driving growth that benefits all.”
AI Growth Labs will unlock new ways to accelerate innovation and cut bureaucracy in a safe environment
More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations for professional services among potential wins for the public
This new approach to regulation will help drive forward growth and national renewal under the government’s Plan for Change
More new homes, better outcomes for patients, and world-leading innovations are among the benefits people can expect to see from a new blueprint for AI regulation being announced today, as the government slashes bureaucracy and ramps up the safe adoption of AI to unlock its full potential.
At the Times Sech Summit today (21st October), the Technology Secretary will announce plans to look at how companies and innovators can test new AI products in real-world conditions, with some rules and regulations temporarily relaxed under strict supervision.
Known as sandboxes, individual regulations are temporarily switched off or tweaked for a limited period of time in safe, controlled testing environments. They would initially be set up for key sectors of the economy like healthcare, professional services, transport, and the use of robotics in advanced manufacturing, to accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI products.
The announcement comes as the Chancellor also details progress made towards delivering on the government’s vision for a regulatory system that better supports growth and innovation.
At today’s Regional Investment Summit, the Chancellor will announce a range of pro-growth reforms that will help deliver that vision set out March’s Regulation Action Plan, including a plan to save businesses across the country nearly £6 billion a year by 2029 by cracking down on pointless admin tasks.
AI applications hold the potential to make the lives of citizens better, faster. The AI Growth Lab will pilot responsible AI which can otherwise be held back by certain regulation, and generate real-world evidence for the impact they can deliver. This will ramp up adoption of AI and deliver opportunities for people across the country, cutting bureaucracy that can choke innovation and supporting businesses to flourish to deliver tangible national renewal.
For example, a testing ground focused on building AI tools could support health workers deliver better patient care on an accelerated timeline. This would also help reduce NHS waiting lists and time demands on frontline NHS staff, as well as ensure that public services are working around the lives of the British public.
Currently, a typical housing development application racks up 4,000 pages of documentation and takes as long as 18 months from submission to approval. By reviewing regulations to explore how AI could support officials, those times could be slashed – speeding up decision making and putting the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current Parliament in the fast lane.
Close working between businesses and regulators are already delivering transformations for the public. A sandbox led by the Information Commissioner’s Office has supported age verification company Yoti to fine tune their age estimation technology to help keep young people safe online, while another trial has helped FlyingBinary to develop online services which support mental health patients.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “To deliver national renewal, we need to overhaul the old approaches which have stifled enterprise and held back our innovators.
“We want to remove the needless red tape that slows progress so we can drive growth and modernise the public services people rely on every day.
“This isn’t about cutting corners – it’s about fast-tracking responsible innovations that will improve lives and deliver real benefits.”
In a further push to unlock benefits for the wider public through AI, a pot of £1 million is being set aside to support the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to pilot AI-assisted tools.
These would support scientific expertise, speed up drug discovery and clinical trial assessments, and licensing to improve efficiency and consistency – while keeping all decisions firmly in human hands.
The continued safe and responsible development of AI would be central to the government’s plans for its proposed AI Growth Lab. It would not be a testing ground where regulations could be switched on or switched off at will, but would see strict, time limited restrictions being put in place to set out which specific regulatory hurdles could be avoided or modified under close supervision.
It will be overseen by tech and regulatory experts and backed up by a strict licensing scheme with strong safeguards, meaning any breaches of individual agreements, or the emergence of unacceptable risks would stop testing in its tracks and open users who have breached their terms up to potential fines.
While this would mark new ground in terms of AI, other regulatory testing grounds have already been put to effective use across the economy.
The Digital Securities Sandbox for example is helping finance firms and innovators by giving them the ability to test innovative tech solutions for some of the most urgent challenges in the financial sector. It is helping to deliver a more secure and efficient financial system by focusing on Distributed Ledger Technology, which creates a single bank of data on financial transactions to speed up efficiencies and help tackle fraud.
Internationally, countries are already using sandboxes to speed safe deployment. Jurisdictions such as the EU, USA, Japan, Estonia and Singapore have announced or implemented some form of regulatory sandbox for AI.
The UK pioneered the global sandbox model with the launch of the FCA’s 2016 fintech sandbox – with transformative AI approaching, the UK must stay at the vanguard of international best practice in regulatory innovation – and the benefits this brings for UK innovation and jobs.
The government will now move ahead with a public call for views on its AI Growth Lab proposals. At the heart of that process will be considerations over whether the programme should be run in-house by the government, or overseen by regulators themselves.
The adoption of AI is the defining economic opportunity of the coming decade, but currently only 21% of UK firms are using the technology. The OECD currently estimates that AI could improve UK productivity by as much as 1.3 percentage points every year – worth the equivalent of £140 billion.
The AI Growth Lab will provide a route to test and pilot responsible AI innovations hindered by regulation – driving AI adoption and economic growth.
Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region backed with £50m each to support local innovation priorities, plus £30m life sciences investment unlocked
Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region backed to the tune of £50m each to support local innovation priorities from life-saving medicines to clean fuels that can cut bills
Further life sciences investment in state-of-the-art West Midlands facilities to create jobs and boost Britain’s health resilience, with valuable medicines made on home shores
Comes ahead of Chancellor’s landmark Regional Investment Summit bringing businesses and governments together to turbocharge our economy as part of our Plan for Change.
New cash boosts of £20m each for Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region will help to deliver more of the regions’ game-changing local innovations like robotics to unlock new medicines or AI that can spot illnesses earlier, the Science and Technology Secretary has announced today (Sunday 19 October), ahead of this Tuesday’s landmark Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham.
The funding package will give local leaders in these three areas access to a total of £50m each to fund innovations in science and technology in their local areas, like the next lifesaving medicine or cheaper fuels that can keep bills down.
The new funding for three regions is the latest commitment from the Government’s £500m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and builds on the initial £30m earmarked for each place in June’s Spending Review, along with seven others across the UK, including Cardiff City Region, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and West Yorkshire.
The government is also inviting further bids of up to £20 million from high potential innovation clusters in all other regions of the UK. This will support local leaders to invest in local innovation strengths – from advanced manufacturing and life sciences to digital technologies and clean energy – and in turn back our Industrial Strategy to boost jobs.
Taken together, this month’s bumper LIPF funding package will back teams across the country to scale-up and drive forward more discoveries, recognising the benefits they bring to people’s everyday lives – from keeping us healthy, to reducing delays on our commute, to building a greener planet with cheaper bills.
This additional funding will enable more spinouts like Chemify in Glasgow, which was backed by Government funding, to help create the world’s first ‘Chemputation’ facility – merging AI-powered molecular‑design engines with industrial robotics to speed up discovery of medicines and materials.
Elsewhere, regional funding has boosted Greater Manchester’s growth into a global AI hub, connecting university technical expertise to start-ups and SMEs so they can turn early-stage ideas into viable products – from tech which can predict disease progression earlier to work on net zero innovations to decarbonise buildings.
And in the West Midlands, the additional funding could enable more projects like Biochar CleanTech, taking organic residues like sawdust or fallen trees and converting them into usable low‑carbon products.
The projects launched under the predecessor Innovation Accelerators programme has delivered more than £140 million of private investment and hundreds of jobs, creating more opportunities for people to get on.
This comes ahead of the Regional Investment Summit which will bring together business leaders, major investors, policymakers, regulators, regional mayors and other local leaders to showcase the breadth and depth of opportunities to invest, expand and create jobs right across our nations and regions.
Ahead of the Summit, the Chancellor has pledged that no region will be locked out of the investment, jobs and growth being delivered as part of the Westminster Labour government’s Plan for Change.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “The UK is blessed with incredible science and tech talent behind everything from life-saving vaccines to cleaner fuels that could cut bills in the years to come, improving the lives of people up and down the country.
“These prized sectors are also major drivers of economic growth in local communities. By backing those with the knowledge to home in on local strengths and supporting valued businesses in building the facilities that can set our country apart, we can lead the next generation of life-changing discoveries.
“This Government’s message ahead of this landmark Regional Investment Summit is loud and clear – the UK is open for business.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The world’s brightest talents and most innovative businesses can be found in every corner of the UK, but years of chronic underinvestment have held them back.
“Not anymore. We are putting a stop to this unfairness by investing in every part of the country. From Glasgow to Birmingham, we are fuelling innovation through our Plan for Change, delivering skilled jobs, and building an economy that works for, and rewards working people.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester has an extensive innovation ecosystem, with outstanding sector strengths in areas like advanced materials, life sciences and AI, and world-leading companies, universities and research institutions.
“This additional funding is a welcome boost that will help us unlock the potential of our growth-driving sectors and build on our outstanding productivity growth in recent years.
“In piloting the Innovation Accelerator we were able to use local knowledge and understanding to translate research and development funding into business growth, new jobs and private sector investment. We look forward to using the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund to make an even bigger impact.”
To further support innovative growth in the regions, the Government is also announcing the first two investments to be delivered through round one of the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), which is set to unlock over £30 million in joint public-private investment.
Medicines manufacturer Sterling Pharmaceuticals is investing in a 60,000 sq ft state-of-the-art new manufacturing and R&D centre in Birmingham. Medtech company Biocomposites, meanwhile, is bringing forward a new manufacturing facility at Keele. Besides creating and safeguarding dozens of high-skilled jobs, these facilities will ensure that valuable medicines are made here in the UK, bolstering the country’s resilience to health emergencies.
Backed by major corporations including Eon, Lloyds, KPMG, HSBC and IBM, the Regional Investment Summit will be co-hosted by the Chancellor, the Business and Trade Secretary, and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with business leaders, international investors, and policymakers from home and abroad in attendance.
Thousands more North Sea workers will be able to access tailored support to help them transition into jobs in the sustainable energy sector – thanks to an £18 million boost in funding.
The Scottish Government will invest a total of £9 million over the next three years to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, matched by £9 million from the UK Government, to help oil and gas workers access careers advice and funding for training to enable them to move into roles in sustainable energy industries.
Launched as a pilot programme in June, in response to demand from oil and gas workers, the scheme has received a total of £1.39 million funding to date, with at least 300 workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire set to be supported in this financial year.
The additional government funding will allow thousands of additional workers to be supported by 2029. Both Governments will now work with trade unions and industry to develop and promote the scheme and explore opportunities for additional private investment.
More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund to support the region’s transition to net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the future.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s innovation, expertise and vast renewable energy resources will not only benefit the planet – but deliver new economic opportunities and new jobs for households and communities across the country.
“This continued and expanded funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector over the next three years – helping to deliver a fair and managed transition to the sector.
“We will continue to explore how best to support Scotland’s energy skills transition, working closely with the UK Government on options like guaranteed interview schemes, redeployment pools and skills passporting.”
UK Government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities across Scotland have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call – and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen and places Scotland at the very heart of the clean energy revolution this government is delivering.
“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy a generation of young people in Scotland can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.
“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union, agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”
All future Scottish Government funding remains dependent on the upcoming 2026/27 Scottish Budget, Scottish Spending Review and future annual Scottish Budget.
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund is aimed at individuals who are currently working (or have worked in the last two years) in the oil and gas industry.
Further information regarding the pilot can be found here: Home
Clean energy will bring 400,000 extra jobs by 2030, with high demand for roles including plumbers, electricians and welders
Government publishes first ever national plan to recruit workers needed for clean energy mission, with over 400,000 extra jobs by 2030
31 priority occupations such as plumbers, electricians and welders are particularly in demand
5 new clean energy Technical Excellence Colleges to train next generation of workers, as part of government’s drive for two-thirds of young people to be in higher-level learning
Energy Secretary to set out measures ensuring companies receiving public grants and contracts need to deliver good jobs across the clean energy sector
A generation of young people across Britain will benefit from the good jobs and high wages that the booming clean energy economy can bring, under new plans announced by the government today as part of the clean energy superpower mission
Backed by record government and private sector investment in clean energy such as renewables and nuclear, the clean energy economy is sparking a boom in demand for good industrial jobs in all regions and nations of the UK – with 31 priority occupations such as plumbers, electricians, and welders particularly in demand.
For the first time, government will today (Sunday 19 October) publish a comprehensive national plan to train up the next generation of clean energy workers, with employment expected to double to 860,000 by 2030, ensuring jobs are high quality and well paid.
Setting clear workforce estimates for the first time will galvanise industry, the public sector, and education providers to work together to deliver one cohesive strategy to invest in training for specific in demand occupations.
The Energy Secretary will also set out how this government sees trade unions as an essential part of the modern workplace and economy. Across the broader energy sector, trade union coverage has declined from over 70% in the mid 90’s to around 30% today. Recognising trade unions is vital to securing high pay and good conditions for workers.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call – and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen.
“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job. Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy, a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.
“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union, agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said: “We’re giving workers the skills needed for switch to clean energy, which is good for them, good for industry – and will drive growth across the nation.
“Our new jobs plan will unlock real opportunities and ensure everyone has access to the training and support to secure the well-paid jobs that will power our country’s future, as part of our Plan for Change.”
The government’s clean energy mission is already delivering for the UK, with the certainty and stability of the government’s mission having galvanised over £50 billion of private investment since last July.
The government has also given Sizewell C the green light, which will support 10,000 jobs at peak construction, announced Rolls Royce as the preferred bidder for the small modular reactor programme to support up to 3,000 jobs, and kickstarted the Acorn and the Viking projects in Scotland and the North East that is estimated to support a combined 35,000 jobs, including 1,000 apprenticeships. This builds on the 4,000 jobs already set to be created in CCUS projects in the North West and Teesside.
For young people, these jobs can offer higher levels of pay- with entry level roles in the majority of occupations in clean energy paying 23% more than the same occupations in other sectors.
Jobs in wind, nuclear, and electricity networks all advertise average salaries of over £50,000, compared to the UK average of £37,000, and are spread across coastal and post-industrial communities.
New initiatives include:
Training up the next generation of clean energy workers – 5 new Technical Excellence Colleges will help train young people into essential roles. Skills pilots in Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire will be backed by a total of £2.5 million – which could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers
Harnessing the valuable expertise and transferrable skills of veterans – Working with Mission Renewable, the government is launching a new programme to match veterans up with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories, and nuclear power stations
Tailored schemes for ex-offenders, school leavers, and the unemployed – Last year alone, 13,700 people who were out of work possessed many of the skills required for key roles in the clean energy sector, such as engineering and skilled trades
Upskill existing workers – Oil and gas workers will benefit from up to £20 million in total from the UK and Scottish governments to provide bespoke careers training for thousands of new roles in clean energy. This follows high demand for the Aberdeen skills pilot, which is already supporting workers into new careers. Government is also extending the ‘energy skills passport’, which identifies routes for oil and gas workers to easily transition into roles in offshore wind, to new sectors including nuclear and the electricity grid
The plan also includes landmark proposals to ensure that jobs in the clean energy sector have world class pay, terms and conditions.
Closing loopholes in legislation to extend employment protections enjoyed by offshore oil and gas workers working beyond UK territorial seas, including the national minimum wage, to the clean energy sector
A new Fair Work Charter between offshore wind developers and trade unions to ensure that companies benefiting from public funding provide decent wages and strong workplace rights
Workforce criteria in grants and procurements to test and pilot innovative ways to drive fair work and skills in DESNZ grants and contracts, including through the Clean Industry Bonus and Great British Energy
It comes after the Prime Minister announced a package of reforms to elevate and transform the education skills system, with a new target for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher-level learning – academic, technical or apprenticeships – by age 25, up from 50% today.
With at least 1 in 6 ex-military already armed with many of the skills needed for the clean energy sector, the government is joining forces with Mission Renewable to match them up with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories, and nuclear power stations.
The pilot will initially focus on the East of England, which will benefit from the biggest increase in the size of the clean energy workforce with over 60,000 people expected to be employed in the sector by the end of the decade.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: Wales’s growing clean energy industry is delivering the well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future.
“Projects right across the country from Pembrokeshire to Flintshire are creating opportunities for hundreds of our young people and will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security.!
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, said: “After years of previous governments starving British industry of investment, this represents a serious plan to start to rebuild our industrial heartlands and deliver quality jobs in clean energy – as well as supporting even more in supply chains right across the country.
“Crucially, it puts decent work at the heart of our energy system. And it shows that when government makes a plan with unions and workers, the whole country can benefit.
“Whether it’s welders in Wrexham or pipefitters on Teesside, the firm commitment to clean energy jobs being good union jobs is one which will improve working lives the country over.
“We now look forward to government delivering a similarly robust and funded plan for the North Sea transition, which safeguards jobs and livelihoods.”
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, National Officer at the GMB, said: “GMB has long campaigned for a jobs first transition. The government is listening and having a jobs plan to underpin the industrial strategy is exactly what this country needs.
“GMB welcomes this roadmap for clean energy jobs and the cast iron expectation unions and their members will be at the heart of this.
“We need fair work agreements and taxpayers’ cash has to be spend where good jobs are going to be created. Today’s plan not only sets out that expectation but crucially, how good jobs can be measured.”
Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT, said: “RMT welcomes the government’s commitment to closing loopholes in maritime and offshore employment law, which should in turn create domestic opportunities in coastal communities that support the entirety of the offshore wind supply chain.
“This plan has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of good jobs across the UK, offering real opportunities for those wishing to transition from oil and gas and for a new generation of workers in their own communities.”
Christina McAnea, General Secretary of UNISON said: “Clean, homegrown energy is essential in tackling climate change and delivering economic growth. This plan can help create a UK workforce with highly skilled, fairly paid and secure jobs.
“Extra investment for retraining will mean experienced staff already employed in the sector are able to take on new roles. Additional funding for apprenticeships and opportunities for young people are crucial too if the UK is to have a bright and clean energy future.”
Alasdair McDiarmid, Assistant General Secretary of Community, said: “After long years of managed decline and neglect under previous governments, we now have an ambitious government which is serious about rebuilding Britain’s industrial base. Crucially, the government is also investing in the skills needed to power the future of British manufacturing – something Community has long called for.
“The push for new clean energy jobs will also support our members in both the light industries and steel sector, with steel being an essential component for green energy infrastructure and construction.
“We look forward to opportunities to collaborate with the government as they roll out this initiative across the UK, delivering for working people in the communities they live in.”
Sue Ferns OBE, Senior Deputy General Secretary at Prospect, said: “The infrastructure investment required to achieve the government’s clean energy mission must be backed by a major boost to jobs and skills.
“If this mission is to be a success, and support the wider industrial strategy and growth agendas, then we urgently need a step-change in the level of workforce development. In this context is it welcome that this Jobs Plan now exists and the new initiatives are a welcome step in the right direction.”
Frances O’Grady, Former General Secretary of the TUC, said: “Energy workers and their families are at the heart of this plan – showing the clean energy transition provides not just energy security but job security.
“Alongside this, it’s a promise that every pound of taxpayers’ money will be used to help create the decent apprenticeships, jobs, and livelihoods that Britain needs.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well paid, secure work must be at the heart of any green transition. Unite members will welcome the commitment to 400,000 green jobs with strong collective bargaining rights.
“The actions set out in this plan are initial steps in what must be an ambitious strategy for tangible jobs, backed by an equally ambitious programme of public investment.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, said: “We have committed to creating a new apprenticeship for every day of this decade. These new secure, skilled, well-paid jobs are key to unlocking the economic growth the UK so desperately needs.
“Clean energy isn’t simply about new technology – it’s about renewing purpose and harnessing the skills and infrastructure that have served us for decades to power the next chapter.
“I’m proud Centrica has the largest unionised workforce in UK energy and services, and we are delighted to welcome the government’s Clean Jobs Plan as a vital step in recognising the skills, protections and careers that must underpin the energy transition.”
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Thanks to the clear direction set out by the government’s Clean Power 2030 Mission, we’re investing at record levels in the clean electricity infrastructure the UK needs for energy security and economic growth.
“Our £24 billion investment plan is creating thousands of job opportunities. We’re recruiting for good, well-paid skilled jobs at record levels. We’re welcoming 300 new recruits in the last 3 months of 2025 alone and aim to bring on another 2,000 jobs up to 2027.
“Many of these jobs are in the communities that we serve in Scotland, England and Wales. This is on top of the benefits for local supply chain businesses across the country from our commitment to domestic procurement that currently supports 70,000 jobs in the UK supply chain.”
EDF power solutions UK CEO Matthieu Hue said: “We welcome the plan which brings clarity on the scale of the opportunity for people across the UK to work in high quality jobs which will contribute to our electric future.
“EDF power solutions has 2 GW of wind, solar and battery in operation and our goal is to have 5 times that amount by 2035, so we will need many more skilled people to help us reach our ambition.
“Our partnership with 4 trade unions, GMB, Prospect, Unison and Unite shows our commitment to working together with them to grow our business.”
Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I, said: “Siemens Energy is a major employer in the UK with 6,500 workers at sites across the UK. We have taken on 140 new apprentices this autumn, and we currently have more than 200 active vacancies.
“The jobs plan announcement is welcome news, building on the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan that was launched at our Hull offshore wind blade factory.”
Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, said: “Clean power is a defining opportunity to grow the economy, strengthen energy security, and create skilled jobs that support communities nationwide. We welcome the Clean Energy Jobs Plan as a vital step towards building the workforce to realise that potential.
“We’re proud to already be delivering on this ambition by supporting around 800 people annually through our Net Zero Training Academy and wider skills initiatives, and welcoming over 1,300 apprentices across 100 programmes since 2018.
“Through partnerships with trade unions, schools, and local governments, we’re ensuring green jobs are good jobs, rooted in local communities with real progression, purpose, and opportunity. We look forward to working with government and industry to scale up this mission and ensure no region is left behind.”
Michael Lewis, CEO Uniper said: “We’re really pleased to see the launch of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan and the recommendations within it.
“Uniper aims to invest approximately €8 billion into growth and transformation projects by the early 2030s, including solar and onshore wind projects, hydrogen projects, and a new combined-cycle gas turbine power station with carbon capture technology at our Connah’s Quay site – contributing to the retention and creation of jobs, and supporting the regional economy.
“We recognise the need for workers to have the right skills now, and in the future, to support the UK’s and our own ambitions.”
Zac Richardson, Group Chief Engineer at National Grid, said: “Secure, affordable and clean energy is essential to unlocking UK economic growth and productivity – ambitions which are underpinned by electricity networks and the unprecedented levels of planned investment in them.
“We welcome the government’s focus on skills and training – especially for technical roles vital to our energy future – and look forward to working together to build a diverse, homegrown workforce that can deliver the grid of tomorrow.”
Tania Kumar, Director of Net Zero at the CBI, said: “The growth of the clean energy economy is creating opportunities for people and places across the whole of the UK. The launch of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan offers a tangible way to connect communities with both the opportunities emerging across the sector and the businesses at the forefront of delivering them.
“If we want people to feel invested in the transition and ensure they are able to participate in it, we must show them how they fit into the vision. This plan begins to do just that, laying out clear pathways no matter whether you’re in work, seeking employment or returning to the job market.”
Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK, said: “Today’s announcement is a critical step forward in building the workforce required to deliver our future energy system. It rightly recognises the need to tackle the skills challenge collectively by investing in both new talent and our existing workforce.
“With up to 400,000 new jobs on the horizon and a clear focus on high-quality, inclusive opportunities, the Clean Energy Job Plan spotlights a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a cleaner, fairer energy system whose benefits will be felt by people and communities across the country.”
Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive at Renewable UK, said: “The Clean Energy Jobs Plan sets out the scale of the massive opportunity which the UK has to create tens of thousands of new jobs in renewables all over the country.
“It includes practical measures which will enable government and industry to work even closer together to maximise this, such as opening new Technical Excellence Colleges, building on Britain’s current success as a global leader in clean power.
“This long-awaited plan delivers on employers’ calls for a coherent government workforce strategy for clean energy and we look forward to working with Ministers to realise its ambitions.”
Katy Heidenreich Supply Chain and People Director at Offshore Energies UK, said: “Investing in skills development is essential to support the UK’s energy sector and it is encouraging to see governments recognise the huge resource of our oil and gas workforce and how their skills can be developed to provide the expertise needed for the energy mix of the future.
“Oil and gas workers have a continuing role in powering the UK today and for years to come. A successful energy future—one that is increasingly homegrown—depends on supporting the industries and people delivering energy now, alongside growing capability across all technologies.”
Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The clean power mission is not just about energy security for the country, it’s about good jobs and a workforce fit the future in your locale. The scale and importance of the energy transition requires new approaches to ensure investments in skills, apprenticeships and training serve the needs of the entire economy.
“Scotland is home to world-class energy skills expertise. Working with both governments, the clean energy industry can build on this through the breadth of projects coming forward today and in the years ahead. The Clean Energy Jobs Plan is an important signal to the public and private sectors of how we must quickly strengthen our partnership on jobs and skills.”
Ben Martin, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The net zero economy is continuing to grow, and the Clean Energy Jobs Plan clearly sets out how the government will recruit essential workers who are critical for the UK’s energy transition. This will support both net zero and economic growth across the UK, providing certainty for people and local communities.
“The plan also recognises the critical role that oil and gas workers in the North Sea will play in driving the renewable energy sector. Aligning skills standards between these 2 sectors and identifying current and future skills needs to support our low carbon future, are essential to delivering a successful UK energy transition.”
Verity Davidge, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, at Make UK said: “Manufacturers are moving at pace to invest in decarbonisation and net zero projects and the transition to clean energy offers huge opportunities for industry. To take full advantage, companies will need to have access to increasingly higher levels of skills and a talent pipeline which will fuel the growth we need to see.
“As such, this plan is a welcome recognition by government and a positive step forward that work needs to start now to get ahead of our competitors and ensure industry is equipped with the skills to do the job. In tandem with this plan we need to accelerate skills reform including ensuring that apprenticeship courses are funded to cover the real cost of training, as outlined in the clean energy sector plan.”
Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: “We welcome the Clean Energy Jobs Plan’s recognition that hydrogen will be vital to net zero and to creating high-quality jobs. Much of the oil and gas workforce already has transferable skills, and supporting their transition into hydrogen will be key to a just and rapid shift to a clean energy economy.
“The Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Skills Accelerator is a crucial first step, and over time we must move from designing courses to delivering hands-on training and upskilling to build the workforce of the future.”
Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said: “We welcome the Clean Jobs Plan and its recognition of the vital role CCUS and hydrogen will play in achieving the UK’s growth and decarbonisation goals while keeping industries competitive. Developing the necessary skills base is crucial to unlocking these sectors’ full potential and protecting thousands of existing industrial jobs.
“Establishing a dedicated Hydrogen and CCUS Skills Accelerator, in partnership with industry, marks an important step toward creating high-quality employment and ensuring a just transition for skilled workers from the North Sea. The CCSA looks forward to collaborating with government and partners to build the workforce powering the clean energy future.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “This Jobs Plan shows the huge opportunity clean power offers the UK, and the vital role nuclear will play in delivering it.
“With 100,000 people already working in nuclear in good, skilled jobs across the country, new stations like Sizewell C and a fleet of SMRs will create thousands more — especially for young people — in clean and secure energy.”
Chris Hewett, Chief Executive, Solar Energy UK, said: “Solar energy and battery energy storage already support over 20,000 British jobs, with expectations that the sectors will employ more than twice the number in 10 years’ time.
“But to reach our goals for cheaper, cleaner power, we need to redouble our efforts to attract and train staff for these fast-growing sectors. With our Solar Careers UK programme and critical support from government under the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, we have every expectation that our aspirations will be fulfilled.”
Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, said: “We have a long heritage of manufacturing for the electricity industry in the UK. As a supply chain at the heart of the clean energy sector we know the growth potential is substantial as we electrify our energy system.
“The biggest limiting factor for investment today is the availability of a skilled workforce and therefore we welcome the focus on job creation for our supply chain. For network equipment manufacturing alone our average member expects to double employment by 2035.
“This plan sets the foundations we need to help this statistic rise further. Our members offer good jobs, in an industry rooted in local communities right across the UK, what they need is long term certainty and a commitment to support investment which this plan targets.”
Lawrence Slade, CEO of Energy Networks Association, said: “This plan is an important step towards accelerating the real economic benefits of the clean energy transition right around the country.
“Today network operators employ around 26,000 people and facilitate 1,500 apprenticeships, in order to maintain the safe, reliable operation of over 500,000 miles of wires and cables.
“Tomorrow, the clean energy transition will underpin new employment opportunities and economic expansion, with tens of thousands of jobs across the country needed to upgrade the grid, not just temporary positions, but long-term careers, from apprenticeships to advanced engineering roles.
“By working together on the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, we will build on existing work and give industry and government the clarity and confidence needed to invest in the workforce, skills and supply chain capacity that will help drive us towards a clean power system.”
Lieutenant General (Retd) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, Chair, Mission Renewable, said: “The Clean Energy Jobs Plan reflects the valuable contributions those who have served have made and can continue to make to the nation.
“By linking veterans and their families with career opportunities in the clean energy sector, Mission Renewable helps companies tap into and retain skilled talent, while at the same time enabling Armed Forces communities to thrive and feel valued. The sector and companies benefit, the veterans benefit and ultimately the nation benefits from skilled people delivering growth and opportunity.”
Paul Cox, Group CEO of Energy & Utility Skills, said: “For the government to achieve its 2030 target, we must put people at the heart of that ambition – only by having the right people with the right skills will we deliver the UK’s energy future.
“Energy and Utility Skills Group has worked closely with the Office for Clean Energy Jobs on its plans, scoping the workforce demands as well as convening the industry to create a UK-wide awareness and attraction campaign.
“We will continue to work with purpose and pace to support the Clean Energy Jobs Plan alongside our partners in the sector.
“Together, we can turn ambition into impact.”
David Hughes, Chief Executive of Association of Colleges, said: “This exciting plan will help people get the skills they need to secure good work locally and it is great to see the investment in colleges to back the government’s ambitions on a net zero future.
“With employers stepping up as well, colleges will be able to offer the training young people need to enter the net zero construction sector, as well as the re-training adults need to move jobs.
“Colleges are ready to be at the heart of this transition, to create real career pathways and help the country lead the global green economy.”
UK Government to launch a consultation on Liberty Protection Safeguards to improve safeguarding for vulnerable people
Protections for people lacking mental capacity to be strengthened through major changes planned by the government to improve safeguarding
Changes expected to address deep-rooted issues within the system by reducing the need for intrusive processes, providing better support for families, carers and health professionals
Comes as Supreme Court reviews what counts as a deprivation of liberty in a case put forward by Northern Ireland
Vulnerable people lacking the mental capacity to make decisions about their care are expected to benefit from major changes to safeguarding and protections, following a consultation announced by the UK government today.
The proposed Liberty Protection Safeguards aim to deliver improved protection and an easier and improved system to allow carers, psychologists, social workers and families to provide care to vulnerable people in circumstances that amount to a deprivation of liberty.
The current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards system is bureaucratic and complex, leading to poor understanding and application of the law by professionals, unacceptable distress for families and a backlog of 123,790 individuals, putting pressure on the social care system.
The implementation of these new safeguards is expected to streamline processes and reduce the backlog of applications – focusing on those most vulnerable.
A consultation on the Liberty Protection Safeguards will be launched in the first half of next year, seeking the views of those affected such as families, carers and practitioners including social workers, nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists. It will be jointly run by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice.
This delivers on calls from organisations including the Care Quality Commission, Mencap and Mind for the implementation of new Liberty Protection Safeguards to replace the outdated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
For example, under the current system:
A lady in the advanced stages of dementia, who for over three years has had no concept of place, person or time and cannot walk, talk or chew, is required to have an assessment every year.
The assessment involves a GP, social worker, care home staff, admin staff and her advocate, and results in a long, report to determine whether she should be deprived of her liberty and if the care home is the best place for her.
Part of this assessment includes a GP visit who asks her a string of questions, despite this vulnerable individual having no indication of understanding or even awareness of anyone being there and cannot give any response.
This repetitive process is distressing for her family to witness every year and to be told they are depriving their loved one of liberty. Many other people have conditions like this which are unchanging.
Liberty Protection Safeguards will allow for existing assessments to be reused, or for assessments to last for longer than one year. This will reduce the need for intrusive processes, which can be harmful or distressing for individuals and their families, and will allow for better focus on people who most need support and protection.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “Safeguarding the vulnerable and protecting their rights is our absolute priority of this government – this is about fixing a broken system by hearing directly from those with lived experience and their families.
“There is currently a shameful backlog in the system of unprocessed cases under the current system which means that people’s rights are not being protected. At the same time, we know that many people in the system and their families find these intrusive assessments distressing.
“This is about ensuring we are fully focused on the most vulnerable people in our society and their families – understanding their needs, ending the maze of referrals and paperwork, and delivering the best protections and safeguards possible.”
A 2014 Supreme Court ruling, known as Cheshire West, established an ‘acid test’ which broadened the definition of what it means to be ‘deprived of liberty’ and led to an increase of 300,000 referrals between 2013-14 and 2023-24 – in addition to a backlog of 125,000 cases.
Each case represents an extremely vulnerable person who needs comprehensive care and support and does not have the mental capacity to make decisions about their care alone.
In August, Northern Ireland put forward a challenge to the Supreme Court about the Cheshire West ‘acid test’ and what is considered a ‘deprivation of liberty’. This is a challenge to the current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, with any ruling having a UK wide impact.
The UK government has been granted permission by the Supreme Court to intervene in this case – as it recognises the issue within the current system and sought to be part of this vital conversation and put forward a UK wide solution.
The responses from this consultation will be used to inform a final Mental Capacity Act (2005) Code of Practice which will be laid in Parliament.
The revised Code of Practice will incorporate changes in case law, legislation, organisational structures, terminology, and good practice since 2007 addressing critical challenges in the existing Deprivations of Liberty Safeguards framework.
The last time the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and Liberty Protection Safeguards were consulted on was in 2022 which did not lead to any changes.
From Strathaven to the Isle of Skye, 46 employers fined over £400,000 for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage.
Across the UK, around £6 million put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its Plan for Change.
Enforcement of workers’ rights is set to be beefed up through new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who flout the law.
46 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named (Friday 17 October) as the Government takes direct action to Make Work Pay.
Around 700 workers in Scotland have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling over £400,000 for breaking the rules.
This strong enforcement doesn’t just protect workers; it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut. By taking swift action against these employers, the Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.
Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said:“This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they’ve earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones.
“We are proud to have delivered a strong minimum wage and enforcing it thoroughly is crucial in our mission to put pounds back in your pocket.
“I know this news will be welcomed by brilliant businesses across the country, those who know that happy well-paid staff are at the heart of building a successful company.
“With our new Fair Work Agency and the coming Employment Rights Bill, this government is keeping our promise to Britain to make work pay again”
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:“Every Scottish worker deserves the pay they are entitled to. Our government is delivering real change for working people – boosting the minimum wage for 200,000 of Scotland’s lowest-paid workers and taking action against employers who break the rules.
“We are bringing in the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation and we will not tolerate employers who short-change their staff.”
This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million, or half of all UK, workers.
As well as ensuring hard work is properly rewarded with fair treatment and decent pay, from April 2026 the Employment Rights Bill will also establish a new Fair Work Agency with more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay.
Today’s announcement follows significant increases to National Minimum Wage rates earlier this year. From April, millions got a pay rise with those on the National Living Wage who work full-time seeing their families supported by an extra £1,400 per year.
· If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
· Workers can also call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or visit their website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HMRC at Pay and work rights helpline and complaints
· The minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK.
· HMRC consider all complaints from workers, so workers are being reminded to check their pay with advice available through the Check your pay website
· National Living Wage and National Minimum wage rates:
2024 rate
2025 rate
National Living Wage (21 and over)
£11.44
£12.21
18 to 20
£8.60
£10.00
Under 18
£6.40
£7.55
Apprentice
£6.40
£7.55
Educational bulletin
We are committed to educating employers and have released an educational bulletin today to increase awareness of National Minimum Wage legislation and inform companies on how to make sure they’re paying workers correctly.
List of employers:
Crieff Hydro Limited, Crieff, PH7, failed to pay £33,992.50 to 131 workers.
J. Puddleducks Childcare Limited , Aberdeen, AB21, failed to pay £30,057.05 to 62 workers.
Mr James D Oakden & Mrs Frances I Hay Smith, Cupar, KY14, failed to pay £28,379.95 to 7 workers.
Stena Line PTE Ltd, Glasgow, G3, failed to pay £20,585.44 to 11 workers.
Seada Uaine Ltd, Isle of Jura, PA60, failed to pay £11,190.12 to 18 workers.
Little Me Nursery Limited, Glasgow, G20, failed to pay £7,841.61 to 15 workers.
Windscreen Services (argyll) Ltd, Oban, PA34, failed to pay £7,191.37 to 3 workers.
David Bryson & Sons Limited, Prestwick, KA9, failed to pay £6,766.94 to 25 workers.
Rompers Private Nursery Limited, Montrose, DD10, failed to pay £6,311.47 to 5 workers.
Peebles Hydro Limited, Peebles, EH45, failed to pay £4,328.91 to 28 workers.
J S K Retail (GLW) Ltd, Alloa, FK10, failed to pay £4,007.92 to 1 worker.
K & P Cooper Ltd, Annan, DG12, failed to pay £3,920.18 to 1 worker.
Ballathie House Hotel Company Limited, Stanley, PH1, failed to pay £3,445.15 to 33 workers.
Wright Hardware Limited, Prestwick, KA9, failed to pay £3,279.84 to 77 workers.
Mr James D Oakden & Mrs Sarah Oakden, Cupar, KY14, failed to pay £3,191.72 to 2 workers.
Driveline Holdings Limited, Grangemouth, FK3, failed to pay £3,055.00 to 3 workers.
Mackay Hotel Company Ltd, Wick, KW1, failed to pay £3,051.03 to 3 workers.
The Daisychain Nursery Kirkcaldy Ltd., Kirkcaldy, KY1, failed to pay £2,825.67 to 14 workers.
ABY Autos Ltd, Hamilton, ML3, failed to pay £2,630.57 to 1 worker.
Ms Anne Myles, Miss Stacey Myles & Miss Teri Devine, Dundee, DD4, failed to pay £2,511.75 to 5 workers.
Sinclair Nursery Limited, Glasgow, G42, failed to pay £2,501.34 to 2 workers.
Gemmell Hammond Limited, Arbroath, DD11, failed to pay £2,422.76 to 1 worker.
Spring Engineering Services Limited, Livingston, EH54, failed to pay £2,222.96 to 3 workers.
Cinemaattic Productions CIC, Edinburgh, EH8, failed to pay £2,029.46 to 2 workers.
Mr Edward Phillips, Coatbridge, ML5, failed to pay £2,019.00 to 2 workers.
Kingswellies Nursery Limited, Aberdeen, AB15, failed to pay £1,928.05 to 4 workers.
MacPhails Coaches Limited, Shotts, ML7, failed to pay £1,879.85 to 12 workers.
Thistle Alterations Ltd, Aberdeen, AB10, failed to pay £1,874.47 to 2 workers.
Seaforth Hotels Limited, Helensburgh, G84, failed to pay £1,807.14 to 5 workers.
MJM Builders Limited, Glasgow, G68, failed to pay £1,773.07 to 1 worker.
The Three Chimneys (Scotland) Limited, Isle of Skye, IV55, failed to pay £1,527.83 to 7 workers.
Mrs Anna K Bednarz, Isle Of Skye, IV49, failed to pay £1,520.00 to 1 worker.
Enchanted Forest Nursery Limited , Bishopton, PA7, failed to pay £1,482.59 to 4 workers.
Crinan Hotel (Argyll) Limited (The), Crinan, PA31, failed to pay £1,317.86 to 24 workers.
Bar Aldo Limited, Alloa, FK10, failed to pay £1,268.63 to 11 workers.
Abby Cleaning (Scotland) Ltd, Glasgow, G22, failed to pay £1,002.80 to 49 workers.
Orchard Grove Nurseries Limited, Paisley, PA1, failed to pay £834.33 to 1 worker.
Pace & Bene Limited, Kilwinning, KA13, failed to pay £814.59 to 1 worker.
Crofthead Holiday Park Limited, Ayr, KA6, failed to pay £763.43 to 1 worker.
Mr Alexander Stuart, Mrs Freda Thomson Stuart, Mrs Emma Jane Stuart, Mr Grant Reid, Dunning, PH2, failed to pay £741.43 to 1 worker.
Event Evolution Limited, Port Glasgow, PA14, failed to pay £686.67 to 4 workers.
The Rissco Collection Limited, Strathaven, ML10, failed to pay £680.25 to 25 workers.
Ubiquitous Chip Ltd, Dunbar, EH42, failed to pay £675.13 to 47 workers.
Mackie’s Limited, Rothienorman, AB51, failed to pay £568.13 to 2 workers.
New Inn Hotel Limited, Ellon, AB41, failed to pay £538.71 to 15 workers.
Mazaj Dundee Limited, Dundee, DD1, failed to pay £529.65 to 16 workers.
In a boost for our great British boozers, rural pubs across the UK will benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for communities
Rural pubs to receive funding to help broaden their services
As part of the Plan for Change, projects include community cafes, village stores and play areas
For every £1 invested in these projects, over £8 social value is generated, new data shows
In a boost for our great British boozers, rural pubs across the UK will benefit from new government funding to help them provide extra services for local communities. Projects will include creating community cafes, village stores, and play areas, and will help pubs bring residents and families together.
The projects have been identified by Pub is The Hub – a non-profit organisation supporting local pubs to diversify their services. Their Social Value Report spotlit more than 40 pub projects currently stuck in limbo due to a lack of funding.
In response, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has committed £440,000 to help Pub is The Hub deliver these projects.
From North Yorkshire to Ceredigion and Cornwall, funding will help support local jobs and opportunities whilst increasing community cohesion as part of the Plan for Change.
Kate Dearden, Minister Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, said: “Rural pubs are hubs of their communities and this government wants to support these vital community assets, creating jobs, supporting local economies and providing residents with a place to socialise and come together.
“That’s why, as part of the Plan for Change, we’re keen to help secure their future with this funding, alongside measures to slash red tape, modernise licensing and to create a fairer business rates system.”
New research by Pub is The Hub shows that for every £1 invested in the provision of new services or activities, there is a return in social value of over £8.
So far, the organisation has supported hundreds of diversification projects and aims to help 1,000 more pubs over the next three years, creating 2,500 jobs and 1,600 services for over one million residents.
John Longden OBE and Chief Executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “We would like to thank the Department for Business and Trade for recognising the important role that pubs and publicans have in rural and deprived areas.
“Publicans with their individual pub businesses have a vital social role in supporting local communities and helping people to overcome social isolation and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
“They have a significant social value that is beyond economic impact. They are crucial in helping to bring people together and inspiring the provision of lost services and amenities.”
To mark the launch of the funding, Kate Dearden, Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, met with John Longden, Chief Executive of Pub is the Hub, Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the APPG Beer Group, and Molly Davis from the British Institute of Innkeeping to discuss the positive impact funding will have, as well as the Government’s wider support offer for the hospitality industry.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said: “We are pleased to be long-term supporters of Pub Is The Hub, which works so hard to help pubs with practical advice in extending their community services.
“No one can underestimate the huge social and economic value of pubs. Our pubs are more than bricks and mortar where people eat and drink – they are places where people come together for all occasions and celebrations, they offer local employment and careers for people of all ages and can help in tackling loneliness.
“Additional access to funding and less red tape is some welcome news to help pubs continue to adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.”
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “British pubs are the beating heart of our communities, and we know people want to see them thrive.
“From bringing forward more funding, to giving communities first dibs to take over beloved bars through our new Community Right to Buy, we’re making sure they are protected for generations to come.”
