Press Releases

Government crackdown on zero hours contract abusers

Business Secretary Vince Cable announces plans to ban exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts.

Resurfacing work M5 junction 14 slip roads at Falfield

Work will start on Monday, 30 June to resurface the M5 junction 14 slip roads at Falfield, resulting in smoother journeys for drivers.

New independent research shows that the public expects common ethical standards from outsourced public services

Published 25 June 2014

A5 Mile End roundabout in Shropshire set for improvements

A scheme to improve the A5 Mile End roundabout at its junction with the A483, near Oswestry in Shropshire, will get underway next week.

Change of High Commissioner to Malaysia

Mrs Victoria Treadell CMG MVO has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Call with US President and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

The Prime Minister has spoken to President Obama and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayad Al Nahyan today.

Press briefing: afternoon 24 June 2014

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Andy Coulson and the EU.

Small jobs make a big difference - but young people struggle to find them

New report 'Precarious futures? Youth employment in an international context' highlights young people have crucial need for experience.

Almost 9 in 10 receive first choice of primary school

This year 88% of families got a place at their first choice primary school and 85% were offered one at their first choice secondary.

NHS rated on open and honest reporting culture in world leading transparency drive

Sir Robert Francis launches new review into NHS reporting culture to make it easier for NHS staff to speak up.

Drivers reminded of a second A1 overnight weekend closure for motorway upgrade work, North Yorkshire

Drivers are reminded that the A1 in North Yorkshire will be closed overnight on 28 June as part of major work to upgrade part of the A1 to a three-lane motorway.

Driver advice as Merseyside hosts The Open golf championship

Drivers using motorway routes around the Wirral peninsula are being advised to plan their journeys during next month’s Open golf championship.

Earthworks at A19 Stockton Ring Road Interchange

Work to stabilise the embankment on the northbound A19 at the A1027 junction near Norton, Stockton-on-Tees will begin next week.

New kerbs for A1 at Newton-on-the-Moor, Northumberland

Work to replace kerbs along 3.5 miles of the A1 near Newton-on-the-Moor, Northumberland will begin next week.

Royal stamp of approval for Belfast's St George's Market

Continuing their visit around Belfast, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh dropped into St George’s Market to view ‘The Best of Belfast’.

Further improvements for M62 pinch points

The Highways Agency will be carrying out further improvements on the M62 aimed at cutting congestion and improving journeys for drivers near Castleford in West Yorkshire.

Groceries Code Adjudicator reports success on forensic audits

Large retailers act after encouragement from the Adjudicator to time limit audits and reduce burden on suppliers.

UK to help save millions from preventable blindness

Lynne Featherstone announces new support to help protect the sight of millions of people in Africa at risk of developing blindness caused by trachoma.

Press briefing: morning 24 June 2014

The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on relations with President Putin, Europe, extremism and inheritance tax.

£20 million support for welfare reform claimants unspent

More than £20 million specifically earmarked to help people adapt to welfare reforms was not spent by local authorities last year.

CMA accepts commitments to improve access to road fuels market in the Western Isles

The CMA has today accepted binding commitments from Certas Energy UK Limited (Certas) and DCC plc which aim to improve competition in the supply of petrol and diesel to filling stations in the Western Isles of Scotland.

Smoother journeys M53 for drivers around Bidston

A £250,000 Highways Agency project to resurface parts of the M53 in Merseyside will start next month.