The British Army has announced the establishment of a new strategic hub, Army Headquarters North, at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, with a forward echelon in Fulwood Barracks, Preston. This crucial development marks a significant step toward strengthening the Army’s presence across the North of England, which has long been a vital region for both recruitment and operations.

Revised Workforce Plan to be unveiled in summer, ensuring we train necessary staff and provide the NHS with stability and certainty to plan into the future.

Words from Prime Minister Keir Starmer on events in Syria.

The first Saturday in December is always designated to Small Business Saturday. This is a day when we should all support small local businesses rather than the big nationals. This year in 2024 Small Business Saturday takes place on 7 December 2024.

Winter is traditionally the least popular season for moving house, largely due to shorter days, colder weather, and financial priorities shifting toward holiday expenses. However, new data from Compare My Move reveals a significant advantage for buyers willing to make the move during this quieter period: purchasing a home in winter could save over £1,000 compared to buying in summer.

Festive cheer will come early for some North East families this year thanks to a firm of North East civil and structural engineers. Newcastle-based RWO has donated a sackful of toys this year to seasonal charity Project Santa, which is providing families and their children in Newcastle who are living on the poverty line, with gifts and food hampers this Christmas.

The CIPD and the North’s Metro Mayors welcome multi-million pound funding and local powers to reduce joblessness and get more people into work

Dear Editor, Don't give pets as presents Pets are one of the greatest gifts on this planet - but they don’t make good presents. With Christmas rapidly approaching and festive shopping in full swing, the RSPCA wanted to urge people not to buy a pet as a pressie this Christmas.

A new analysis of the latest official data from the Environment Agency has uncovered widespread river pollution linked to toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics), known for their harmful effects on bees. The data suggests a slight increase in the proportion of rivers affected over the past two years.

2024’s Cyber Monday sales are projected to reach £10.4 billion—compared to Black Friday’s £8.5 billion—and with 512,000 monthly searches going into December, this year is set to be the biggest yet. But with so many brands offering what seem to be irresistible discounts, it can be easy to get swept up in the Cyber Monday madness and make purchases that might not actually be a bargain.

JG Windows, the musical instrument, sheet music and recorded music store that has been a Newcastle city centre fixture since 1908, has announced that it has closed permanently from today. The business has taken steps to appoint Andrew Little and Gillian Sayburn of Begbies Traynor as joint liquidators and all the firm’s 17 employees have been made redundant.

A new report, ‘Towards an end to fuel poverty in Britain’ launched this week and presented at The House of Commons by the British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity solely funded by British Gas, to industry leaders and politicians, sets out clear recommendations towards eradicating fuel poverty.

On 25 November, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, SIGBI’s members – known as Soroptimists – turned the UK orange as they begin their 16 Days of Activism, concluding only on 10 December, Human Rights Day. As SIGBI’s annual gender-based violence campaign, it aims to prevent domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

New TUC analysis published today shows that even modest gains from the government’s workers’ rights reforms would benefit the UK economy by over £13bn a year. The analysis models some of the key benefits of the Employment Rights Bill – identified by the government’s impact assessment of the Bill.

Last Sunday, I had a moment that perfectly captures National Older Workers’ Week. I was at Marks & Spencer to sort out some travel currency. I guessed the experienced woman serving me might be from the 50+ generation – the undervalued group of employees behind this week’s campaign. Pauline said yes, she was 70 years old and her colleague Nicki nearly the same.

This Christmas, the name of your street could be the gift that keeps on giving, with festive street names having a surprising impact on property value. But from Rudolph Street to Tinsel Lane, which festive street names are impacting property value the most?

This Monday, 1,000 white bulbs will be planted in Pearson Park to mark national White Ribbon Day. Representatives from Hull City Council, Humberside Police, local support organisations, volunteers and pupils from Stepney Primary will come together to plant the flowers.

Last year not only did UK consumers spend over £13.3 billion during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales – up 7% on the year before - but more than half (52%) of Black Friday shoppers relied on the promotions to help manage their financial concerns. Metro Bank is warning all consumers to be wary of purchase of scams in the hunt for a good deal this year.

The winners of the only national awards to celebrate the vital work of councillors across the country were revealed this evening at the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards. Winners were announced at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall, showcasing the best of local government. Cllr Liam Robinson of Liverpool City Council won Leader of the Year.

56% of working carers are unable to access their right to unpaid Carer’s Leave because of the financial implications of doing so New statistics show the economic value of contributions made by unpaid carers in the UK is now £184.3 billion a year.

latest THINK! campaign warns of the consequences of drinking before driving; new 0% branding launched, as THINK! partners with Heineken and Fuller’s to promote road safety with alcohol-free drinks and merchandise for Christmas; part of the government’s work to shift attitudes around drink-driving and save more young lives

22% rise in winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads in the last 5 years, reports National Highways; Nearly 40% of drivers planning a long journey over the festive season, as many admit to travelling without food, water or warm clothes;

65% of UK homeowners are significantly impacted by rising energy costs with 34% dipping into their savings to pay for energy bills. A generation of ‘eco-curious’ consumers are demonstrating a new interest in living more sustainably, yet perceptions of high upfront costs are preventing 57% of people from considering a heat pump. Heat pumps have already cut CO2 emissions by 8 million tonneswith the potential to save households up to 25% on heating costs.