REFORMS TO GO FURTHER IN PHASING DOWN OF HARMFUL GREENHOUSE GASES

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Harmful greenhouse gases used in commercial and industrial refrigeration, and in air conditioning and heat pump units will be phased down more quickly and extensively under ambitious plans outlined today (Wednesday 5 November) by the Government to reduce emissions and accelerate to net zero. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are manufactured gases primarily used as the refrigerant gas in commercial and industrial refrige...


GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS PENSION PROTECTIONS FOR OUTSOURCED WORKERS

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Analysis and expertise from the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) supports a consultation on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) (England and Wales) improvements covering access and protections. "Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales: Scheme improvements (access and protections)" has been issued for consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). The cons...


PRIME MINISTER ARRIVES AT COP TO DELIVER CLEAN ENERGY JOBS AS MAJOR DEALS IN PORTS AND INDUSTRY ANNOUNCED

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Prime Minister arrives at COP30 with major vote of confidence from industry to build the UK's clean energy revolution and deliver national renewal . * Well-paid, quality, skilled jobs secured with new deals across Greater Manchester, GreatYarmouthand Belfast to deploy andmaintainoffshore wind turbines and build one of the UK's biggest battery energy storage facilities. * UK at COP as global leader of climate act...


RECRUITMENT OF DEPUTY CHIEF COMMISSIONER AND A COMMISSIONER TO THE EQUALITY COMMISSION FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of a Deputy Chief Commissioner and Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Further details for the position of Deputy Chief Commissioner, including terms of appointment and an application pack are available for download here. Further details for the position of Commissioner, including terms of appointment a...


LEGAL AID OPPORTUNITIES IN HOUSING AND DEBT

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is seeking to attract additional providers in the Housing and Debt and Welfare Benefits Categories of Law under the 2024 Standard Civil Contract ("2024 Contract") in the following areas: * Barnsley * Calderdale * Cheshire * City of Kingston upon Hull * Doncaster * East Riding of Yorkshire * Hartlepool * Knowsley * Leicestershire & Rutland * North East Lincolnshire & North Lincolnshire *...


UK CARRIER STRIKE GROUP RETURNS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Ships and personnel to participate in major NATO exercises after five months in Indo-Pacific.  * Deployment reinforces UK commitment to European security and NATO leadership.  * Italian-led Exercise 'Falcon Strike' will see cutting edge UK and Italian F-35s operating side-by-side.  The UK Carrier Strike Group will strengthen NATO security through major exercises in the Mediterranean fo...


MARKET ENGAGEMENT: LEGAL AID FOR INQUESTS

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The government has announced plans for the largest expansion of legal aid in a decade, ensuring bereaved families have access to non-means-tested support during inquests. The LAA is inviting views from organisations currently providing or interested in providing advice and representation under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill proposals. Why is it happening now? The LAA wants to ensure that services are i...


ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ISSUES DROUGHT PERMIT TO SEVERN TRENT WATER

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * The permit enables Severn Trent Water to secure public water supplies, should below-average rainfall continue * Despite recent intermittent wet weather, drought conditions in the Midlands region may continue into next year. With drought continuing to impact the Midlands, the Environment Agency has approved a drought permit application to help refill Carsington and Ogston reservoirs. The drought permit cha...


DAME ANNIE HUDSON TO LEAD REVIEW OF SOCIAL WORK ENGLAND

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: An independent review into the operations of Social Work England has been launched by the Secretary of State for Education to ensure that social workers are properly supporting vulnerable people. Social Work England (SWE) is the specialist regulator for social workers in England. The review will assess how effectively Social Work England is fulfilling its mission, upholding standards, maintaining public confidenc...


MAJOR BANKS GIVE HELPING HAND TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AS NEW FINANCIAL INCLUSION STRATEGY LAUNCHES

LONDON, Nov. 5 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Victims of domestic abuse will have unfair credit score damage addressed so they can rebuild their lives. * The government is launching a new Financial Inclusion Strategy which will boost access to savings, credit and financial education for those most at risk of being left behind. Thousands of people at risk of experiencing homelessness will be able to open bank accounts for the first time through a new pilot ...