Press Releases

Millions more saving thanks to automatic enrolment

Nearly 5.2 million workers have been enrolled into a workplace pension scheme through automatic enrolment.

Planned roadworks in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, BANES, Wiltshire, West Dorset and Devon: Weekly summary for Monday 16 - Sunday 22 March 2015

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of the above date but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

Ending the tenant tax to help tackle rogue landlords

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis pledged to end the “tenants’ tax” that pushes up rents and imposes unnecessary red tape on decent landlords.

New Ofsted board members announced

John Hughes and James Kempton appointed to Ofsted’s board.

Welsh Secretary welcomes Penderyn Distillery export success

Stephen Crabb: "Penderyn is an inspiration to entrepreneurs across Wales."

UK expertise can drive climate change action

The UK is to use its world-leading climate and adaptation expertise to help countries successfully tackle climate change.

Groups honoured for ‘life-changing’ work at House of Commons ceremony

Organisations that have helped transform the lives of disabled people have been recognised at an awards ceremony to promote accessibility.

Vince Cable appoints new Innovate UK Chief Executive

Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the appointment of Ruth McKernan as the new Chief Executive of Innovate UK.

Government fund to support thousands more custom builders

A multi-million pound fund will help aspiring custom builders get their projects off the ground more quickly.

Specialist advisers protect £400 million of UK businesses' intellectual property

Four UK intellectual property advisers based overseas have helped to protect £400 million worth of IP assets for UK businesses.

Young people with SEND to benefit from £5 million work scheme

Supported internships will be available to those with the most severe forms of special educational needs and disability (SEND).

Highest proportion of young people in education or training

More than 90% of 16- and 17-year-olds were actively participating in education, employment or training at the end of December

Employers unveil new industry designed apprenticeships

Hundreds more top employers have joined the government’s successful Trailblazers programme to design high quality apprenticeships.

Annual Human Rights report 2014

The 2014 Foreign Office annual report on Human Rights and Democracy sets out steps taken to promote and protect human rights.

Privy Council appointments: March 2015

The Queen has approved new appointments to Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.

Merseyside merger to improve coroner services

Families of bereaved people across Liverpool and Wirral will receive better coroner services in the future.

First aid training to be made compulsory for new nursery recruits

New nursery and pre-school staff will be required to undertake paediatric first aid for the first time, thanks to new government proposals.

Government to set Tourism bodies targets to spread growth across UK

VisitBritain and VisitEngland charged with getting more overseas visitors to travel beyond London to maintain UK’s tourism boom

Government rolls-out flagship Degree Apprenticeships

The government has today (12 March 2015) announced the roll-out of 9 new industry designed Degree Apprenticeships.

Traffic bulletin: Lane closure on M25 in Hertfordshire

Road users in Hertfordshire are advised that lane one on the clockwise M25 will be closed today (Thursday 12 March) between junctions 21a and 22 due to emergency repairs following an earlier incident. It is anticipated that the lane will reopen overnight.

New measures to support more disabled people into work

A bold ambition to ensure more disabled people can benefit from the UK’s growing economy and jobs market is behind Access to Work changes.

Site Clear Up Continues at Bridgefoot Quarry

The clean up and removal of debris from the site at the Bridgefoot Quarry Recycling Centre at Flint Cross in Cambridgeshire has now begun, following the fire on 13 November 2014.

Overnight closures at A45 Stonebridge Highway in Coventry

Two overnight closures will take place next week at the A45 Stonebridge Highway in Coventry as part of the A45 Tollbar Improvement Scheme.

Library funding boost to help more entrepreneurs

Enterprising Libraries across the country will receive over £650,000 to support entrepreneurs.

Baroness Randerson urges young people to get an apprenticeship to boost job prospects

Baroness Randerson today (12 March) urged young people in Wales to get an apprenticeship during a tour of Airbus’s factory in Wales.

Drivers advised of overnight closure on A184 near junction with A1 as part of Coal House to Metro Centre Improvement Scheme

There will be an overnight carriageway closure of the A184 in connection with the A1 Coal House to Metro Centre improvement scheme this weekend.

CMA advises universities and students on consumer law

The CMA has today published advice for higher education providers to help them comply with consumer law when dealing with students.