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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 April 2025.

    New entitlement will give thousands of eligible new parents each year with children in neonatal care a right to additional leave and pay.

    • New right to neonatal care leave and pay enters into force this weekend.
    • Parents of babies in neonatal care are entitled to an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay if eligible, on top of parental leave, as of tomorrow (6 April)
    • The Government is supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].

    Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we’re putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy.

    These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care.

    They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

    In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.

    We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we’re creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby.

    Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron said:

    No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.

    We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve.

    The new Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.

    These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

    The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

    Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

    Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things said:

    The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April).

    This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand – neonatal parents themselves.

    They know the journey doesn’t end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover – both physically and mentally.

    Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they’ll get it.

    Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said:

    At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.

    That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

    We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

    Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said:

    We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development.

    Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby’s side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under.

    We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families.

    Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said:

    Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth.

    At Virgin Media O2, we’re proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support.

    That’s why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.

    Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said:

    When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.

    Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.

    This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.”

    Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:

    Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.

    That’s why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks’ paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months’ paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.

    Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 April 2025.

    England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

    • Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
    • Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting

    England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.

    Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England.

    The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April).

    By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%.

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

    “This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change”

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said:

    “This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover.

    “The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.”

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    “This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.

    “We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

    Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks.  These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution.

    The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change.  This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and  sustainable housebuilding, and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund.

    The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

    Additional Information:

    • Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
    • The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
    • The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
    • The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
    • The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    • The UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response
    • This brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    The increase is the result of an additional £10million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5million.

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits. The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Notes to editors

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • An initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response;
    • £5m to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April;
    • A further £10m funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today.

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, gave these welcome remarks by video to the second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris.

    Good afternoon everyone, I’m sorry I can’t join you in person, but I am delighted to join my good friend, Minister Delegate Haddad, in participating virtually.

    And I’m hugely grateful to France for hosting this conference – testament to our strong friendship and commitment to global security, which we are demonstrating in so many ways at the present time.

    And I am glad that this is bringing together so many experts from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

    Your diverse perspectives are crucial in tackling a major challenge of our time – the proliferation and irresponsible use of cyber intrusion capabilities.

    In this dangerous era of contest and competition, cyber threats are testing our security and resolve on a daily basis.

    Of course, new technologies bring vast opportunities for security, prosperity, and democracy.

    Yet, they also make us more vulnerable to criminals, hackers, and reckless hostile states. And intrusive tools are becoming cheaper and more accessible.

    While these tools play a vital role in protecting our national and cyber security, they also bring significant challenges, as you all know.

    It is easier than ever for those who do not share our values to target human rights defenders, politicians, and journalists, among many others.

    We have also seen reckless attacks on our governments, our parliaments and critical infrastructure – from banks and power grids to hospitals and defence systems.

    And that’s why I’m so pleased you will be working together to address these threats and get the balance right.

    Since the first Pall Mall Process meeting last year, we’ve made real progress.

    So today, I’m proud to announce a major step forward – the formal launch of our new Code of Practice for governments.

    This bold package of commitments will help us to regulate the market, mitigating against harms that hacking tools can cause.

    And this will be good for us as States – making it easier to protect national security while ensuring a stable cyberspace.

    And it will be good for the industry too. By providing a clear view of what responsible activity looks like, we can make it easier for legitimate companies to operate in the right way.

    But this commitment must translate into action.

    Over the coming days, we must focus on how to put these measures into practice, track progress, and hold ourselves accountable.

    This is how we can protect our citizens and ensure that cyberspace remains free, open, peaceful, and secure.

    I wish you all the best for your discussions and I very much look forward to hearing the outcomes.

    Merci beaucoup, thank you very much.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados to Downing Street this morning.

    The leaders reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Barbados, and the shared challenges faced by the two countries, including growth, climate change and global instability.

    The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Mottley for the action taken by Barbados against the Russian shadow fleet.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Mr John Marshall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo in succession to Ms Catherine Brooker who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Marshall will take up his appointment during June 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: John Marshall

    Year Role
    2023 to present Guinea, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2021 to 2022 Brussels, Temporary Assignment
    2016 to 2021 Luxembourg, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2011 to 2015 Dakar, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Senegal and Her Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde
    2007 to 2011 Addis Ababa, Deputy Head of Mission
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Deputy Head, Sustainable Development and Commonwealth Group
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Head, Caribbean Team
    2000 to 2003 Kuala Lumpur, Head of Political, Economic and Public Diplomacy
    1997 to 1999 FCO, Head of Political Section, United Nations Department
    1995 to 1997 FCO, Head of India, Nepal and Bhutan Section, South Asian Department
    1992 to 1995 Tokyo, 2nd Secretary Economic/Political
    1988 Joined Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Ambassador Holland says the UK is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  We are closely monitoring the situation in Türkiye. This is an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process, and the UK expects Türkiye to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including swift and transparent judicial processes.

    We have raised recent events with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan to raise the UK’s concern.

    The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world and will always support the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom.

  • PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 4 April 2025.

    Liz Kendall visits Barnsley to unveil first of nine ‘trailblazers’ which will get people back to health and back to work, supported by £18m of £125m investment.

    • First trailblazer programme to tackle inactivity and boost employment launches in South Yorkshire.
    • In the first year, South Yorkshire will work with over 7,800 people and aim to help up to 3,000 people into jobs or to stay in jobs.
    • Trailblazers at heart of wider efforts to Get Britain Working and boost economic growth under the Plan for Change.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled the first of nine trailblazer programmes in Barnsley to get Britain back to health and back to work, nine months on from her landmark speech on employment reforms in the same town.

    South Yorkshire is one of nine £125 million backed ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch, with the aim of helping areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity as part of the wider Plan for Change.

    Backed by £18 million, South Yorkshire plans a dedicated new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions, and a new “triage” system to make it quicker and easier to connect people to employment, health, and skills support.

    This work will include preventing people falling out of work completely due to ill health through an NHS programme, working with people with conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. This could include arranging voluntary work as a stepping stone to paid employment or helping people receive the right treatment early so they can remain in a job. Similar NHS programmes have also kicked off this week in the North East and West Yorkshire.

    South Yorkshire has already had success in tailoring support to meet the needs of local people, including:

    • Gerald who spent years working in the coal mining industry. With the help of South Yorkshire, he’s developing his digital skills and first aid abilities so he can continue to share his knowledge with others through volunteering.
    • Ruby who has a learning and physical disability. She was told she would never walk or work, but South Yorkshire worked with local employer Barnsley Norse, who provide cleaning and caretaking services, to create a bespoke role with amended duties, including shorter shifts so she could build stamina and confidence.
    • John, who has improved his prospects through engagement with South Yorkshire, working towards a qualification in English and Maths. He is volunteering with Barnsley Museums and now has paid employment with Age UK, and two relief positions with the Museums service.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said:

    For too long, whole areas of the UK have been written off and deprived of investment. We are turning the tide on this – as we believe in the potential of every single person across our country and that they deserve to benefit from the security and dignity that good work affords.

    This is why we’re investing £125 million into nine local areas to get Britain back to health and back to work – with our new approach making it quicker and easier for people to access the support they need to stay in work if they have a health condition or return to work.

    South Yorkshire is the first to kick off their innovative plans – backed by £18 million – and we will be launching more areas in the coming weeks as we put more money in people’s pockets, boost living standards and Get Britain Working under our Plan for Change.

    South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:

    We know that South Yorkshire’s industrial past has left a legacy of poor health and low skills that holds people back right across our communities; holding people back from accessing good work, making the most of their potential or living their fullest lives.

    That’s why we developed the pioneering Pathways to Work approach here in Barnsley, and why we’re now working with the Government to roll that programme out across the whole of South Yorkshire. From today people will receive tailored support, bringing together the health system, the skills and employment system, to truly help people back into decent work.

    I’m really pleased that South Yorkshire is now leading with the first inactivity trailblazer and NHS growth accelerator to launch in the UK, because it means we can help people more quickly and more effectively, and in a more tailored way. That’s not just the right thing to do for those people locked out of finding good work, it’s the right thing for our economy too, helping us to create the bigger and better economy we need and deserve here in our region.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP added:

    Poor health is holding back too many people across the country, keeping them languishing on waiting lists when they could be getting back to their jobs and lives. Innovative services like these are critical to tackling economic inactivity.

    This support will get people working again, which is vital because we know being in work leads to better overall heath and helps grow the economy.

    Though the Plan for Change we will make people healthier, reduce pressure on the NHS, all while helping them into fulfilling and rewarding careers.

    The trailblazer programmes, which have been designed largely by civil servants based in Sheffield working with Mayoral Combined Authorities, are part of the Government’s wider efforts to reach an 80 per cent employment rate, which includes a record £1 billion investment in helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who can work into work and an overhaul of Jobcentres to make sure they meet the needs of employers.

    Through their new initiatives, South Yorkshire aims to reduce inactivity from 25.5% in 2023 to under 20% by the end of 2029 – equivalent to helping 40,000 people across the area. Their trailblazer has been shaped by Barnsley’s Pathways to Work Commission – a landmark report that heard directly from local residents who have experienced barriers to accessing work.

    Once a crucible of the industrial revolution from steelmaking to coal mining, South Yorkshire has felt the full brunt of the industrial slump – and denied the investment and opportunity to thrive, with many people suffering from long-term health conditions.

    This new funding will help unlock the potential of the hardworking people across the region and help them get back to health and back to work. This is central to the government’s drive to deliver growth across the region – and will work alongside the 10-year Sheffield Growth Plan.

    South Yorkshire marks one of nine inactivity trailblazers going live across England and Wales. In the coming weeks, similar schemes will launch in: Greater Manchester, North East, York and North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Wales; and three in London (West London, South London and Local London).

    In addition, eight youth trailblazer areas will also be set up across mayoral authorities in England with £45 million funding in the coming weeks, to ensure all 18–21-year-olds have access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

    The government has published local Get Britain Working Plan guidance for Local Government and stakeholders across England to develop a coordinated approach to supporting people into and remaining in good work.

    As part of a drive to show transparency and track delivery, the Government is also publishing Get Britain Working outcome metrics, based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data.

    Further Information

    • With 230,000 economically inactive people in South Yorkshire, £10 million of the investment will go towards helping people who have been inactive for less than two years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, in Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham.
    • The remaining £8 million will fund the NHS Accelerator programme. This is the first time that the NHS in England will have responsibility for work as well as health outcomes, with similar schemes rolling out in West Yorkshire and the North East. They will also improve access to Talking Therapies, which provides treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy to adults.
    • Both programmes aim to work with a total of 7,800 people and help up to 3,000 of those into jobs or to stay in work in the first year.
    • Sheffield’s Growth Plan is a 10-year plan to grow the economy, giving local people higher living standards and more opportunities. The South Yorkshire inactivity trailblazer represents that this government is focusing investment on places still experiencing the consequences of the past.
    • The nine inactivity trailblazers, backed by £125 million of UK Government funding, is giving power to the Welsh Government and some Mayoral Authorities to design joined up work, health and skills offers.
    • Funding for Scotland and Northern Ireland has been devolved in the usual way.
    • The Get Britain Working metrics have been published: Get Britain Working outcomes – GOV.UK
    • The measures have been built based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data and segment out health related inactivity, regional variations in employment rates and the disability employment rate gap.
    • The local Get Britain Working Plan guidance has been published: Guidance for Developing local Get Britain Working plans (England) – GOV.UK
    • The guidance will ensure all areas are working towards the government’s 80% employment ambition.
    • The eight youth trailblazers will be in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London
    • Employment support measures are fully transferred to Northern Ireland. Jobcentre Plus services is reserved in both Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also deliver other forms of employment support. The funding announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper is UK wide, the share of funding for devolved Governments will be calculated in the usual way.
    • The UK Government also plans to establish new governance arrangements with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to help frame discussions around the reform of Jobcentres and agree how best to work in partnership on shared employment ambition across devolved and reserved provision.
    • The announcement of the first inactivity trailblazer comes as the Government and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) invests £7.4 million in four research projects across the UK to help reduce health-related economic inactivity.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government calls ‘last orders’ on red tape choking pubs, clubs, and restaurants in major boost to the British night out [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government calls ‘last orders’ on red tape choking pubs, clubs, and restaurants in major boost to the British night out [April 2025]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 April 2025.

    Outside dining and later opening hours on the menu as government backs British pubs, clubs and restaurants with moves to slash burdensome red tape in the hospitality sector.

    • Mayor of London to be armed with new powers to review blocked licensing applications and boost the capital’s nighttime economy.
    • Package of measures answers industry plea to give businesses the conditions to thrive, with the government and British business working side-by-side as part of the Plan for Change.

    Pubs, clubs and restaurants are set to be released from burdensome red tape which has stifled business as government ‘backs the British night out’.

    Action includes moves to improve the application of licensing laws and strengthening businesses’ competitiveness, giving diners, pub and party-goers more time and more choice to enjoy what British hospitality has to offer.

    It includes a landmark pilot that could see more alfresco dining and later opening hours in London, as the Mayor of London is granted new “call in” powers to review blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots.

    If successful, this approach could be rolled out to other mayors across England, working closely with their own local police forces.

    The package of measures will seize the opportunities on offer in the UK hospitality sector, which employs over three million people and is worth around £62 billion to the British economy. It comes as the government continues to go further and faster to drive economic growth and get more money in working people’s pockets, a key focus of the Plan for Change.

    Businesses have long indicated that the current licensing system lacks proportionality, consistency, and transparency – creating barriers to growth and investment for business.

    Blockers to growth include businesses being banned from extending licensing hours for late night drinking and anti-competitive blockages from other businesses.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.

    We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said:

    We promised to clear the way to economic growth in our Plan for Change and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re already reforming planning to back the builders, not the blockers. Now we want to do the same for the nighttime economy which has been neglected for so long.

    Our pubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life, so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive.

    That’s why it’s time to give the Mayor of London new powers to back the capital’s pubs and clubs, as part of our plan to give mayors the tools they need to drive growth. Too often, we have seen the complaints of a vocal minority of objectors promoted over the need for our country to grow – we are determined to change this.

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and Chair of the British Beer and Pub Association, Kate Nicholls, National Chair of the Institute of Licensing CEO of UKHospitality, Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association, and the police are all working with the government to rapidly explore and evaluate better licensing options for businesses right across the UK.

    The group aims to transform the licensing system to one that better supports business growth and confidence, creating a better hospitality experience for Britons and visitors, whilst ensuring public safety and community interests remain adequately protected.

    It will report back in six weeks with solutions informing the government’s work to kickstart economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:

    Businesses in our retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are foundational to our economy and our high streets. They are big employers in every community across the UK, offering accessible jobs and opportunities and providing spaces where communities can come together – they are the glue that binds us together as a society.

    These measures will ensure that we support these vital sectors by delivering a business environment as part of our Plan for Change that allows them to operate profitably so that they can provide the jobs, investment and growth communities across the country need.

    In addition to these steps, a new £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme has been launched to help get existing projects over the line and fill job vacancies in the sector.

    This includes supporting the delivery of hospitality training facilities in prisons, which will help to address skills gaps and provide prison leavers with a fresh start and opportunities on release, reducing unemployment and the £18 billion cost of reoffending.

    These new steps are part of the government’s wider work to kickstart economic growth, boost productivity and put more money in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, Chair of the British Beer and Pub Association and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said:

    Licensing regulations provide a clear example of how well-intentioned legislation can inhibit economic growth, with excessive restrictions often limiting premises’ ability to respond to changing circumstances and customer demand.

    I am looking forward to working with the hospitality minister as we speak to stakeholders from within the industry and beyond to understand current frustrations and limitations.

    I hope that we can address existing concerns and create a licensing system that reduces unnecessary red tape, accelerates the licensing process and unlocks opportunities for premises to drive economic growth across the UK.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    I am delighted that the government is looking to grant London greater powers over licensing.

    This significant decision would allow us to do more to support the capital’s pubs, clubs, music venues and other parts of the visit and tourist scene. It would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country.

    This is more evidence that we now have a government that wants to work with the capital and recognises the role that we can play in delivering economic prosperity and support Londoners as we build a better London for everyone.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality and National Chair of the Institute of Licensing, said:

    Cutting red tape and improving hospitality’s competitiveness is much-needed to unlock our sector’s potential to drive socially productive growth and create jobs. A new and improved licensing system that is fit for the 21st century will be a huge boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

    I’m delighted that this expert group will be leading the review and coming forward with solutions that can unlock the high street’s potential, in addition to informing the government’s Industrial Strategy.

    Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer Association said:

    A review of the 2003 Licensing Act is long overdue.  We are currently working with MPs to pass an amendment to permitted licensing hours at times of major national events when Parliament is not sitting.  But this is just one example where the current law restricts the ability of pubs to respond to consumer demand and sell beer and other drinks in a responsible manner.

    There will be many other simple changes that can be made to the Act that will ease the ability to do business and drive more sales, invest and grow.  I look forward to the quick implementation of the recommendations that the taskforce brings forward and urge the government to repeat this exercise across a number of other policy areas where urgent reforms are needed including business rates reform, packaging reform and much needed cuts to beer duty.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record £13.9 billion of R&D funding unveiled to boost innovation, jobs and growth [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record £13.9 billion of R&D funding unveiled to boost innovation, jobs and growth [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 4 April 2025.

    Funding outlined to support transformational R&D in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond.

    • Almost £14 billion of R&D funding allocated to bolster life sciences, green energy, space and beyond to improve lives and grow the economy
    • Investing in public R&D essential to driving our Plan for Change by delivering better public services and opening up business opportunities
    • Blood tests for early dementia diagnosis and world’s most advanced testing facility for wind power among supported projects

    More UK innovators like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests or building world-leading testing facilities to power a greener planet are being backed through our record £13.9 billion in R&D funding to improve lives and drive our Plan for Change.

    The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has set out today (Friday 4 April) how it will allocate £13.9 billion in funding for transformational research and development in the next year in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – the UK’s lead public research funder – will receive £8.8 billion over the next year.

    This funding will drive forward research that could transform lives and help make our NHS fit for the future – like the work on blood tests to diagnose dementia earlier, a disease affecting more than 980,000 people in the UK. Researchers are exploring whether looking for proteins specific to many forms of dementia, alongside a quick and easy test of patients’ cognitive functions, could unlock a fast, cheaper and non-invasive way of diagnosing the disease.

    Public investment in R&D is also central to progress that grows the economy through new jobs and commercial opportunities. Each pound of public R&D investment is also estimated to leverage double in private investment in the long run. Businesses that receive their first R&D grant funding also see jobs and turnover go up by over 20% in the following six years.

    Public R&D funding delivered through UKRI is already supporting teams at the University of Plymouth to tackle the serious global issue of antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria evolve to resist medicines that once killed them – making infections harder to treat, increasing medicine costs for and pressure on our NHS and hitting the economy as more suffer ill health.

    Their discovery of a new antibiotic, Epidermicin, is undergoing trials and has led to spinout company, Amprologix – potentially providing health professionals with a silver bullet in the battle against such bacterial infections, dubbed ‘superbugs’, whilst opening up new commercial opportunities in the UK.

    Similarly, UKRI R&D funding has also proven vital in developing the technologies we need to help position the UK as a clean energy superpower, such as the £86 million in ongoing funding towards building the world’s most advanced wind turbine test facility in Blyth. It is supporting the growth of the wind turbine market, creating local jobs and encouraging investment in the sector.

    Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

    Our £13.9 billion investment in R&D is ultimately an investment in the future of the UK.

    R&D is essential to fulfilling this government’s Plan for Change – whether in improving lives across the UK and beyond through new life-saving drugs, helping us build a cleaner, greener future or in exploring beyond our planet to unlock new discoveries that keep us healthy, safe and prosperous and much more besides.

    It is also central to creating highly paid jobs and opportunities to set up new businesses across the UK, which will drive the economic growth that is key to supporting our public services and enhancing our daily lives.

    The government is also investing nearly £670 million in space, through the UK Space Agency to help develop the space industry in the UK – employing 50,000 people in the UK – and ensure British companies like Airbus are involved in exploration beyond our planet, putting Britain back into the space race and unlocking new opportunities for discovery that can benefit life on earth.

    For example, up to £160 million of previous investment over the next four years will propel Britain’s position in the global satellite communications market, enhancing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas and in turn bridging the digital divide for citizens.

    The Department’s investment in R&D to protect our planet also includes £310 million for the Met Office, which while most well-known for providing accurate weather forecasting for the UK also provides the UK’s most advanced climate modelling, which is essential to understanding the extent and impacts of climate change and how it can and will affect all of our lives.

    The allocation of this record £13.9 billion in funding follows the Chancellor’s announcement at the Budget that the government would protect record levels of R&D spending, with £20.4 billion being invested over the coming year across all government departments.

    UKRI CEO, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said:

    Research and innovation play a crucial role in driving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and improving public services for people across the UK.

    This allocation safeguards the capability of the UK’s world class research and innovation ecosystem and enables investment to support the government’s five missions.

    UKRI will use its unique position in the research and innovation system to make smart and strategic investment choices, delivering the best outcomes now and in the future, and making the most effective use of public money.