Latest News
Financial and other news tailored to UK students and young adults, explained without unnecessary jargon.
Universities Cancellations Send Troubling Message
The cancellation of university graduation speakers is sending a troubling message about free speech and academic freedom. Some speakers are being told they can no longer give their address at commencement ceremonies because of opinions they have voiced. This trend raises concerns about the limits of expression in academic settings.
Key takeaway: Universities' cancellation of graduation speakers sparks concerns over stifling diverse perspectives.
City & Guilds job cuts spark legal action
City & Guilds, a training and qualifications body, is facing potential legal and industrial action over its plans to cut around 400 UK staff. The Unite union alleges that the company has been 'dishonest' over the job cuts, withholding key information and breaching redundancy laws. This move could have implications for students and young adults in the job market.
Key takeaway: City & Guilds' job cuts could affect students and young adults in the job market.
Lloyds IT glitch hits payments
If you're a Lloyds customer, you might have struggled to make payments today. An IT glitch affected Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland apps, leaving thousands unable to send money. The bank has apologised and is working to resolve the issue.
Key takeaway: Check your account and contact Lloyds if you're having trouble making payments.
Poor phone signal on trains hits students hard
Research by Ofcom found that major phone networks are not providing good signal on trains, and train companies are slowing down wi-fi. This affects students who rely on their phones for study and travel. Poor signal can cause missed calls, delayed messages, and lost productivity.
Key takeaway: Students on trains face poor phone signal, disrupting their travel and study.
Water outage fail: what it means for students
A recent report found that South East Water failed to adequately communicate with customers during outages last winter, leaving tens of thousands without water. The company's communication was its greatest failing, with fewer than one in 10 customers satisfied with how the crisis was handled. This lack of communication has significant implications for students in the affected areas.
Key takeaway: South East Water's poor communication during outages last winter has left a bad taste in customers' mouths.
Thousands rally against DSA cuts
The Department for Education's plan to withdraw funding for assistive software has sparked outrage, with nearly 10,000 people signing a petition against the cuts. The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) currently provides funding for specialist tech support, but the government claims this is no longer needed due to 'widely available free tools'.
Key takeaway: The government's plan to cut funding for specialist tech support for disabled students has been met with significant opposition.
Summer essentials: what students really bought in May
Despite the rising cost of living, students are prioritising comfort and leisure purchases, with cooling bedroom fans and outdoor gear among their top buys. The heatwave has driven demand for products that help students enjoy the sunshine while staying cool. From camping gear to skincare, we explore the summer essentials that made the cut.
Key takeaway: Students are splashing out on summer essentials to beat the heat and enjoy the sunshine, with cooling fans and outdoor gear among their top purchases.
Strength training: 2 hours a week to live longer?
You might think that hours of exercise a day are needed to stay healthy, but new research suggests that just 2 hours of strength training a week could lower your risk of early death. This challenges the common assumption that you need to spend lots of time at the gym to see benefits. The study indicates that even a small amount of strength training can have a significant impact on your health.
Key takeaway: Doing just 2 hours of strength training a week can reduce your risk of dying early.
New law won't guarantee students a fair deal
The Employment Rights Act 2025 promises to end one-sided flexibility in employment, but it may not help students looking for term-time work or seasonal employment. The law does not account for the structural realities of student labour. Students may still face challenges in finding stable and secure work.
Key takeaway: The new law may not provide the benefits students were hoping for, particularly when it comes to term-time working and seasonal employment.
Investing £50 a month: no longer just for the wealthy
Many people believe that investing requires a large sum of money, but experts say that even £50 a month can make a significant difference. Investing small, regular sums can build wealth over time, and it's not just for the wealthy or those near retirement. Students and young adults can also benefit from starting early.
Key takeaway: Investing £50 a month can be a great way to start building wealth, even for students and young adults.
ScottishPower sends customer £8,400 energy bill by mistake
A ScottishPower customer received an incorrect energy bill for £8,400, which is nine times their normal annual payment. The company apologized and corrected the mistake. This incident highlights the importance of checking energy bills for errors.
Key takeaway: Energy bills can contain errors, and customers should always check their bills carefully.
Free meal cut hits community cafe users
The cafe has seen numbers rise from about 60 to more than 90, highlighting the growing issue of food poverty in the area. The increase comes as the cafe's free meal service has been discontinued. This rise in users is a clear indication of the struggles many face in affording basic necessities.
Key takeaway: The discontinuation of a free meal service at a community cafe in Boston has led to a surge in users, highlighting the growing issue of food poverty.