Commission welcomes the political agreement on new EU rules for pay transparency
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the Directive on pay transparency measures. The initiative was an important element of the political guidelines of President von der Leyen and the Commission tabled its proposal on 4 March 2021. The new rules will provide for more transparency […]
River reset for the first time in 2,500 years to help climate change
A partnership project which will eliminate more than 117 tonnes of carbon, help drought and reduce flooding has reached completion. The project, described as a “stage zero river reset”, will absorb more than 117 tonnes of carbon, help drought and reduce flood risk downstream. It involved infilling the river channel with soil to allow water […]
Efforts to protect habitat and wildlife around the world boosted by £34 million of UK government funding
Wildlife, plants and habitats at risk across the globe are set to benefit from new government funding announced by Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). The UK will pledge nearly £30 million to support developing countries in delivering the ‘30by30’ target, which is aiming to protect at least 30% […]
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow strict biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. In England and Wales the AIPZ also means you must house your birds to protect them from bird flu. Read the latest update
Millions encouraged to Get Around for £2 by bus
Passengers are being encouraged to Get Around for £2 by bus from January to March next year, with bus operators launching a campaign to promote the government fare cap scheme. Read the full story
UK signs agreement on offshore renewable energy cooperation
The UK Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart has signed a landmark agreement on renewable energy cooperation with EU and North Seas countries. Read the full story
Public sector pay rises – who decides and how?
Public sector workers across several different industries are striking this Christmas as they call for better pay and conditions. As those in the public sector, of which there are about 5.7 million, receive taxpayers’ money, the amount they are paid is determined by their overall employer – the government. Read the full story
EU becomes first leading economy to legislate for ‘green tariff’ on imports
The EU became the first big economy to legislate for a “green tariff” on imports, to be levied on goods that are produced with high carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) means that countries which fail to green their industries will soon face a new threat: an effective carbon tax that will […]
UK December strike days calendar
The wave of strikes sweeping the country reaches a peak this week, threatening to bring Britain to a standstill as workers across the transport network, NHS, Royal Mail and civil service take industrial action in ongoing rows over pay and conditions. View calendar
UK inflation eases to 10.7% as the annual rate of price increases slows
UK inflation declined at the sharpest rate in 16 months to 10.7% in November as the momentum behind the rising cost of clothing and petrol began to ease amid growing fears of a long recession. Read the full story
