WIREDGOV

Digital Security by Design (DSbD) challenge and Digital Catapult launch Technology Access Programme.

Hybrid working to resume from 31 January.

Statement by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS.

New consultation to end postcode lottery in how schools manage avoidable absence 

The Prime Minister gave a statement to the House of Commons on the situation in Ukraine.

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on today’s public sector finance data 

Ofcom’s consumer advocate and Group Director, Lindsey Fussell, gives the lowdown on telecoms price increases and what to do about them.

World’s best data experts form government council on international data transfers

Overall record enrolments at Scottish institutions.

Over £6 million has today [25 January] been awarded to communities across the UK to tackle the climate emergency. The funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, has gone to 21 community-led projects focused on waste and consumption.

The latest increase in the state pension age from 65 to 66 – which took place gradually between late 2018 and late 2020 – has significantly boosted the employment of both men and women, leading to 55,000 more 65-year-olds in paid work. Combined, 65-year-olds are working an additional 1.8 million hours per week due to this rise in the state pension age from 65 to 66.

Water regulator Ofwat and innovation foundation Nesta Challenges are today announcing the expert judging panels for the two streams of the £39 million Water Breakthrough Challenge, which aims to bring forward industry-leading innovation that deliver benefits for water customers, society, and the environment.

HMG has released the first ever UK Government Cyber Security Strategy

The NHS will provide patients with hundreds of thousands more dental appointments, thanks to a £50 million funding injection.

A mail scam that impersonates the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) continues to be active after almost a year. 

UK is safe and open for visitors with no testing for fully vaccinated tourists

Firms using company or insolvency law to manage their liabilities have been warned they could face assertive action by the FCA if their proposals unfairly benefit them at the expense of their customers.

Support from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service boosted the Welsh economy by an estimated £790 million a year by mid 2021, according to new research unveiled by Economy Minister Vaughan Gething today.

Danny Mortimer, Deputy CEO and CEO of NHS Employers, outlines our response to mandatory vaccines for NHS staff.

More than £31 million of UK government funding, matched by more than £30 million of industry funding, for development of innovative floating offshore wind technologies.

The public are being urged to sign-up to a world-leading study for antivirals if they test positive for COVID-19

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) can reveal that trading standards (TS) services are undertaking essential work, including foot patrols and bird detection, to stem the largest outbreak of Avian Flu ever seen in the UK.

Farmers and landowners encouraged to create new woodland as a financial and environmentally rewarding option.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a virtual meeting to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Changes to COVID-19 testing measures for travellers arriving in the UK from 4am 11 February.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working with the OIT and UKRI to provide energy policy briefings for UK academics.

Britain’s public services will be strengthened to further protect them from the risk of being shut down by hostile cyber threats, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay will say today.

Millions of customers are still to file their 2020 to 2021 Self Assessment tax return.

Increase in fees paid to optometry practices for free examinations.

Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP, Minister of State for Crime and Policing, Home Office and Ministry of Justice spoke on the role of emerging technologies and the application of the law at a recent meeting of the House of Lords Justice & Home Affairs Select Committee.

Blog posted by: Martin Paver, 24 Jan 2022.

Blog posted by: Jane Stead, 21 January 2022 – Categories: Accessibility, Content, Content Hub Team.

Move gives aviation sector flexibility and protects environment as airlines will not have to operate ghost flights to retain airport slots.

Free badges and lanyards will be available to people who wish to show others they would welcome additional space and extra care while out in public.

More than 635 million students remain affected by full or partial school closures. On the International Day of Education and as the COVID-19 pandemic nears its two-year mark, UNICEF shares the latest available data on the impact of the pandemic on children’s learning.

Professor Len Shackleton, editorial and research fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on the proposed one-off payment of up to £500 for families to deal with high energy bills 

Mr Sharma's speech given yesterday at Chatham House as we build on the success and commitments made in Glasgow.

Overhaul of the technical control requirements reflect the changes in the way organisations are now working.

Residents and other local stakeholders from the shortlisted regions across the UK are invited to provide feedback on new proposals for a prototype fusion energy power plant, which may be built in their area.

Maternity and neonatal champions will be appointed to every health board in Wales to improve the quality of services in a new £1.15m Welsh Government plan.

Nothing is certain in life, goes the old saying, but death and taxes. To which should probably be added, “and the weather.”

APM recently shared the stories of Megan Stewart and Alex McGlynn, two participants in an internship programme run by IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry.

People struggling to lose weight will now be offered help from their local high street pharmacy as part of the NHS’s radical action to tackle rising obesity levels and type 2 diabetes.

Active Travel England to create safer streets for cycling and walking to boost air quality and help improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.

TfL intends to keep the requirement for face coverings on the TfL network.

Bill to extend HS2 from Crewe to Manchester, creating a new transport spine across the North West that will reduce journey times and boost local economies.

techUK is holding elections for the Chair and two Vice-Chairs of the Communications Infrastructure and Services Council, and we have opened nominations for members.  

Following a request for assistance, the EU is channelling aid to Tonga in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai and tsunami in the South Pacific.

Blog posted by: Alex Smith, Monday, 24 January 2022.

People from all walks of life are being urged to become magistrates in an unprecedented recruitment drive launched today.

COP26 President Alok Sharma is to deliver a major speech at Chatham House setting out the UK’s priorities for its COP Presidency year.

This report describes scoping research carried out to inform the development of a review of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).

Sport England’s chair takes on the role in an interim capacity and will oversee the appointment of the body's first chief executive and management team.

Get help to gain the skills you need for the job you want with the National Careers Service careers workshops.

Sending anti-tank weapons to Ukraine will not alter the military balance or moderate Russia’s behaviour. It is time for a serious approach to supporting Ukraine, one that accounts for the Russian way of war.

The system could be used to defend high value assets whilst alongside in harbour, and to protect critical infrastructure.

A lorry driver has been jailed for nine years after attempting to smuggle cocaine worth £2.1 million into the UK in his truck.

This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in December 2021.

A campaign to encourage people to consider a new career in Wales’ growing food and drink industry has been launched by the Welsh Government.

More than a dozen new AH-64E Apaches – one of the most advanced attack helicopters anywhere in the world – are undergoing test flights with the British Army.

Speech given recently (21 January 2022) by President von der Leyen on the occasion of the opening of Kaunas 2022: European Capital of Culture.

Research by Association for Project Management (APM) has found over three quarters of project professionals still have concerns about Brexit’s impact on projects, with increased costs, disruptions and shortages among the main sources of worry.

A man and woman from London have had their appeals against conviction and sentence for running an unregistered school dismissed by the Crown Court.

£8 million from NHS England to support secondary schools with the in-school vaccination programme.

Transport Minister Graeme Dey has tendered his resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.

A suspected drug trafficker has been arrested just a day after he was named as one of the UK’s Most Wanted.

The Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee recently (21 January 2022) published its report on the Climate Change (No.2) Bill.

Measures to provide better protection to business customers who have built up credit on their water accounts mark a significant step in the right direction.

HMS Montrose seizes over one tonne of illicit drugs in the Gulf of Oman.

Active Travel England builds on government commitment to boost cycling and walking and deliver a healthy, safe and carbon-neutral transport system.

Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS) scrutiny report on the Social Security (Residence Requirements) (Afghanistan) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

Government confirms 4 technical refinements to the Western Leg of HS2 Phase 2b and sets out the strategic case for the HS2 Crewe-Manchester scheme.

FCDO has agreed a new Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership with Australia.

Britishvolt, the UK battery company, has received an in principle offer of government funding though the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) for its planned gigafactory in Blyth, Northumberland.

Almost one in ten private landlords renting to Universal Credit claimants have experienced at least one tenant having difficulties paying their rent due to benefit cuts.

In December 2021, 2,491 fake HMRC phone calls were reported to the department.

The Welsh Government has announced £1.8 million to support health and social care students in Wales.

Schools and youth groups across the country are being called on to take part in ‘Welcome to your vote’ week, to help young people participate in May’s local government elections.

UK and Australian minsters concluded vital defence and security talks following the first AUKMIN meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Blog posted by: Andrew Baldwin, 21 Jan 2022.

Over 700 solar panels installed at HMP Wayland to cut carbon and save money for the taxpayer.

Redundant tannoy announcements to be reduced on trains ensuring quieter journeys for passengers.

Additional funding allocated to local island projects.

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules the map of France for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027 within the framework of the revised Regional aid Guidelines (‘RAG').

Cabinet Office Minister calls for Government departments to accelerate the return to office based working to boost staff collaboration and help support local businesses.

Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Caerphilly County Borough Council are investigating a single case of tuberculosis (TB) in an individual associated with Blackwood Comprehensive School.

An opportunity to recognise the people, organisations and participants who helped deliver research and innovation in healthcare during the recent pandemic has been launched.

Climate Change Minister Julie James recently (21 January 2022) revealed plans to transform the waste industry in Wales, making it easier to crack down on illegal exports and on waste crime.

The UK is sending vital humanitarian assistance and redeploying a Royal Navy ship to support Tonga respond to the catastrophic tsunami that hit the islands.

Public Health Wales is making further improvements to its rapid reporting public-facing Covid-19 dashboard.

New plans will help tackle fly-tipping and illegal waste exports through stricter background checks and mandatory digital waste tracking.

CBI yesterday responded to latest Covid announcements – Northern Ireland.

New Plant Health requirements introduced to prevent the spread of the tree pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis in Cumbria and south-west England.

Changes to the management of agricultural soil could contribute to improving the ability of soils to produce crops, as well as to wider benefits including mitigating future climate change.

The European Commission has today disbursed €271 million to Finland in pre-financing, equivalent to 13% of the country's financial allocation under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). 

Priti Patel commissions the ACMD to tighten the restrictions on three substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

4 teenagers from Powys have been appointed as the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for 2022 at a virtual awards ceremony.

Under the Leaseholder and Resident Service, those living in tower blocks will have access to updates on the status of their building’s application to the government’s Building Safety Fund.

An Independent chair is to be appointed to oversee the creation of a National Audiology Review Group.

The recent decision of Lithuania to ramp up its military presence in the Sahel demonstrates the changing European security architecture, as European-led initiatives are increasingly supported across the east-west divide.

The STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme is a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) programme to design and build a prototype fusion energy plant in the UK, targeting operations around 2040.

A cross-industry competition to find cutting-edge Telexistence technology has moved to the next phase with up to £1.3million funding available.

FCDO Minister for Africa Vicky Ford yesterday delivered a pre-recorded speech at the Africa Investment Conference 2022.

As restrictions for outdoor spectator sports move to alert level zero this weekend, the first phase of the Welsh Government’s £3 million Spectator Sports Fund is now being allocated, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed.

New figures yesterday (January 20, 2022) show Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with industry and commerce in Scotland in 2020/21 was £1.989 billion.

Today, the EU is requesting consultations with Russia at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning export restrictions placed by Russia on wood products.

A temporary export bar has been placed on Banquet Still Life by Dutch artist Jan Davidsz. de Heem.

Geovation, Ordnance Survey’s open innovation network hub, has launched a challenge with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to find a sustainable solution to tackle diffuse coastal pollution, with a prize of up to £5,000 for the winners.

Further funding announced to redesign the UK’s airspace to create quicker journeys and cut emissions.

Legislation to end the harmful practice of setting ‘glue traps’ is to be brought forward by the Scottish Government in order to protect animal welfare.

A Vietnamese man who was the ringleader of a gang involved in transporting some of the 39 migrants found dead in a lorry in Essex in 2019 has been jailed by a Belgian court, following an investigation that was supported by the National Crime Agency.

With the past two decades of international stabilisation missions showing only limited successes and a long list of strategic failures, a re-evaluation is overdue.

A Greater Manchester Police officer who formed an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman has been found guilty of misconduct in public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

CBI yesterday responded to Help to Grow: Digital launch.

Nadine Dorries and Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds visit Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

A mobile operating theatre, supported by more than £2.3 million Scottish Government funding, will enable almost 350 elective surgeries to go ahead for patients in Orkney and Shetland.

Following the Committee's meeting on Tuesday 18 January, its tenth report of Session 2021-22 has been published.

‘State of the World' Special Address given yesterday by President von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum, via videoconference.

Employers who do not offer sufficient parental leave risk losing top talent. Vodafone urges Government and employers to review parental leave policies and ensure they meet the expectations of younger workers.

Simplified gene editing rules make it easier for researchers to develop more nutritious and resilient crops, which require fewer pesticides.

Opportunity for cyber security startups with ideas to protect small businesses to work with the NCSC's cyber security experts.

Property buyers in Plymouth, Sutton, Babergh and Mid Suffolk can now obtain the information they need quickly, simplifying the conveyancing process for everyone.

Wales will complete the move to alert level 0 on 28 January, First Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday confirmed, unless the public health situation changes for the worse.

The European Commission and national consumer protection authorities yesterday released the results of an EU-wide website screening (“sweep”) on online consumer reviews. 

CBI recently (19 January 2021) responded to start of UK-UK talks on removing steel tariffs.

Greater competition in retail banking is driving choice and lower prices for consumers and small businesses, despite the financial impact of the pandemic.

Blog posted by: Giovanna Puntorieri, 20 Jan 2022.

2021 was another warm year globally – consistent with ongoing warming from greenhouse gases.

Plan B measures will be removed following millions getting the booster, which gives strong protection against Omicron

Most people admitted to adult care homes will no longer have to self-isolate for two weeks under new guidance issued to care home operators.

Speech given yesterday by President von der Leyen at the European Women on Boards' Gender Diversity Award.

A restored nuclear deal may not be as strong and comprehensive as originally hoped but given what is at stake, a deal with Iran is still better than no deal.

Record numbers of people are coming forward for cancer tests, with almost a quarter of a million referrals in one month according to the latest data, the NHS said yesterday.

A former North Yorkshire Police officer, who had sexual physical contact and sent inappropriate photos of a sexual nature to a member of the public he met while on duty, would have been dismissed without notice if he had not already resigned, a police disciplinary panel has ruled.

A scheme helping vulnerable people to be treated at home and avoid unnecessary trips to emergency departments will be ‘a massive help’ in easing pressure on NHS Wales during the winter months, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has said

Speech given yesterday by Executive Vice-President Vestager on the Digital Services Act.

New structure designed to best meet the challenges and opportunities ahead as London recovers from the pandemic.

Blog posted by: Jackie Martin, 18 Jan 2022.

Following the exciting news that our new suite of V Cert technical qualifications will be ready for first teach in September 2022, I wanted to summarise the key things that you’ll need to know about them – including the main similarities and differences between V Certs and GCSEs.

Publication of the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing charging scheme accounts for 2020 to 2021.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday commented on the inflation figures, which show CPI inflation rising to a 30-year high of 5.4%.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the Africa Investment Conference virtually.

Following its inquiry into the future governance of the UK, the Constitution Committee has published its report: Respect and Co-operation: Building a Stronger Union for the 21st century.

Today, the European Commission proposes to support 450 workers who lost their jobs in the car industry in the Spanish region of Catalonia with €2.8 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF).

The Chancellor held a virtual roundtable with small businesses today (20 January) to launch Help to Grow: Digital, designed to support smaller businesses adopt new tech to help them thrive.

2021 was one of the seven warmest years on record, despite average global temperatures being temporarily cooled by successive La Niña events at either end of the year.

Joint statement from the UK and US on the start of bilateral discussions to address the issue of global steel and aluminium excess capacity (19 January 2022).

Final report of the Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group.

The Scottish Government needs to take urgent action to ensure essential progress in improving how workforce skills are planned and provided.

Freshwater ecosystems in the UK face a myriad of pressures, with agricultural activities a leading source of impacts. Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan proposes a “systems” approach to mitigate environmental pressures. This POSTnote first describes the components of UK freshwater catchments, then summarises opportunities for developing a more integrated approach to addressing the pressures that agricultural practices place on freshwaters.

Intellectual property: Statement given yesterday by EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton welcoming the provisional application of the Unitary Patent.

CBI yesterday commented on end to Plan B in England.

With climate security gaining ground as a topic of global discussion, the French armed forces are developing their own approach to climate change at the national level.

Changes to the way medicines and other health technologies are evaluated by NICE for use in the NHS were approved by its Board yesterday (19 January 2022).

UK hosts second Africa Investment Conference with focus on sustainable investment.

The Welsh Government has issued a statement on the latest NHS Wales performance data published today.

The TUC has published a new report on digitisation across the public sector.

Speech given yesterday by Commissioner Breton on the Digital Services Act.

Association for Project Management (APM) has launched the 3rd edition of its Competence Framework to support the professional development of project practitioners.

Detail of the 'Great Place to Work for Veterans' initiative.

Help to Grow: Digital scheme launches today to support small businesses with discounted software and free advice.

All short-term let properties will require a licence to ensure they are safe and the people providing them are suitable, under legislation approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, responds to the latest NHS activity and performance statistics in Wales.

The Commission completed the payments of the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) assistance to tackle the coronavirus health emergency to 19 countries for a total amount of almost €385.5 million. 

Over the past two years, young people have missed out on a world of experiences, education and events.

Over the next few decades, a reduction in the use of fossil fuels worldwide presents a bigger problem for Russia than climate change itself.

National Crime Agency officers are investigating after a seizure of cocaine worth approximately £5 million at Sheerness port in Kent.

CBI Northern Ireland yesterday responded to the latest inflation figures.

Julius Cowdrey and Miles Nazaire, are calling on the nation to get boosted as the easiest New Year’s health resolution you can make

Former Chief Nursing Officer takes up the post.

Northumbrian Water has been fined £240,000 for polluting a watercourse in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.

CBI yesterday responded to the latest inflation figures.

CIPD responds to the latest labour market statistics from the ONS

In its response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report, Green Jobs, the Government has confirmed that key government departments are not currently represented in its Green Jobs Delivery Group, and that no changes will be made to the national curriculum to embed environmental sustainability in education.

Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics at free market think tank Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “Plan B restrictions cannot be abolished a moment too soon. Vaccine passports have never worked anywhere and face masks are largely theatrical.

The new European Union Agency for Asylum starts work with its reinforced mandate, building on the achievements of its predecessor, the European Asylum Support Office. 

Passenger services will commence in the first half of 2022 with initial services between Abbey Wood and Paddington Elizabeth line stations.

Fursa is an initiative that aims to build youth entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and development.

The call for papers is now open for the next DCDC Conference, which will be held virtually from 11 to 15 July 2022. The deadline to submit a proposal for this year’s conference is close of business on Friday, 11 February 2022.

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK has awarded nearly £100,000 Friends of Cymru Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia CIC to provide tailored and sensitive support the families they work with.

Two further cases of the fungal-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species has been discovered in Wales.

Citizens Advice’s research has shown that around 3 million households are facing a cost of living crisis this winter, unable to afford basics like food or heating. 

This month’s labour market statistics show continued signs that the furlough scheme was successful in protecting employment.

Remarks given recently (18 January 2022) by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis at the ECOFIN press conference.

Our asset finance solutions offer a simplified procurement process and preferential rates to help you purchase the assets you need to deliver vital frontline services.

Historic milestone reached by JET scientists

Members of the Armed Forces who were deployed in August 2021 to support the evacuation from Afghanistan will receive medallic recognition for their contribution. This was the largest humanitarian aid operation in over 70 years.

The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Digital Connectivity spokesperson for the Local Government Association responded to a report by the Public Accounts Committee into the slow speed of the Government’s Project Gigabit broadband rollout programme 

Read how the Government Property Agency used a recruitment framework to meet their need to recruit 50 interim and permanent roles, over a range of grades.

Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP) showcases schemes to adapt to climate change.

Join the National Careers Service career workshops for expert advice about what’s happening in your local area