Latest News
Financial and other news tailored to UK students and young adults, explained without unnecessary jargon.
Britain's bad train wi-fi might soon be a thing of the past
The UK's notoriously bad train wi-fi could be improved soon. A new plan aims to bring better internet to trains. This will make travel more productive for commuters.
Key takeaway: The UK's poor train wi-fi may soon be improved, making travel more productive for commuters.
Ex-M&S Chief Tackles Youth Unemployment
Marc Bolland, the former chief of Marks & Spencer, has been appointed to advise the government on getting young people into work. This move comes after a review warned of a potential 'lost generation' due to high youth unemployment. Bolland's expertise is expected to help shape policies to address this issue
Key takeaway: The UK government has appointed Marc Bolland to advise on tackling youth unemployment, which could lead to new initiatives and programmes to support young people's career prospects
Arrive Three Hours Early for EU Flights This Summer, Warns Wizz Air
The UK boss of Wizz Air has warned British holidaymakers to arrive three hours before their return flights home after new EU biometric border checks caused queues of up to 3.5 hours at European airports, with some passengers missing flights entirely.
Key takeaway: If you're flying home from the EU this summer, add an extra hour to your usual airport arrival time — passport control queues are significantly longer than normal.
Gluten-free food prices surge
The cost of gluten-free basics like bread and biscuits is skyrocketing, making them a luxury for students with coeliac disease. A small branded loaf now costs nearly £4. This surge in prices is affecting students who rely on these staples for medical reasons.
Key takeaway: Students with coeliac disease face significant challenges as gluten-free food prices increase.
Energy bills to rise for Power NI and Firmus customers
The increase in energy bills for Power NI and Firmus customers is due to higher global energy and gas prices. This change will affect students and young adults who are already struggling with the cost of living. The price hike will add to the financial burden on those who are already finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Key takeaway: Your energy bill is about to go up, adding to the financial strain you're already under.
Chefs call for VAT cut to 10% for pubs and restaurants
Top UK chefs, including Tom Kerridge and Yotam Ottolenghi, are calling for the government to cut VAT for pubs and restaurants to 10%. This could lead to cheaper meals for students and others. The current standard VAT rate is 20%.
Key takeaway: Cutting VAT for pubs and restaurants to 10% could save students £5 on a £20 meal
Rishi Sunak's financial literacy plan misses the mark
Former PM Rishi Sunak's plan to teach financial literacy through maths has been met with skepticism. Experts argue that financial literacy is not just about numbers, but also about understanding insurance, pensions, taxes, and mental health. This has significant implications for students who will be affected by these policies.
Key takeaway: The UK government is considering new ways to teach financial literacy in schools, but it's not just about maths.
University cuts: What's really happening
The podcast from Wonkhe explores the scale and shape of cuts across UK higher education, revealing a £2.4bn gap. But what does this mean for students? It's not just about tuition fees.
Key takeaway: The £2.4bn gap in university funding is having a real impact on students, from course closures to job losses.
NEET report reveals surprising student trends
The report, led by Alan Milburn, provides new insights into the lives of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). It highlights the complexities of their situations and the need for tailored support. The findings have significant implications for higher education.
Key takeaway: The NEET report shows that many young people are not in education, employment, or training due to complex and interrelated factors.
Youth job crisis costs UK £125bn a year
The scale of the youth jobs crisis in the UK has been revealed, with unemployment among young people costing the country £125bn annually. Over 1 million young people are not working or studying, sparking concerns about a 'lost generation'. The Labour party is poised to propose fresh changes to the welfare system in response to the crisis.
Key takeaway: The UK's youth unemployment crisis is costing the country £125bn a year.
Thousands miss out on childcare support
The UK's childcare support system has been criticized for excluding PhD students from claiming 30 hours of funded childcare, despite their low income. This affects around 2,000 families, who miss out on approximately £8,000 of support per year. The exclusion has been described as a 'nerd tax'.
Key takeaway: Thousands of families in the UK are missing out on £8,000 childcare support due to unfair eligibility criteria.
1 in 5 young people not in work or education
A government-backed report has found that over 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment, or training. This is a significant increase and has sparked concerns about the future of young people. The report suggests that this could have long-term consequences for the economy and society.
Key takeaway: The number of young people not in education, employment, or training has risen to over 1 million.