Latest news with #NVQ
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Tinker, tailor, carpenter, spy: MI5 seeks woodworker for top-secret missions
MI5 is hiring a carpenter to help protect the country from terrorism and hostile-state threats. The successful candidate will be deployed in the field to help carry out intelligence-gathering operations around the UK and 'directly contribute to the security of our nation'. The new recruit will have to sign the Official Secrets Act and must have a 'meticulous' attention to detail and 'sound problem-solving skills'. The role has a starting salary of £43,000, is being advertised on MI5's website and on its official Instagram account. A video promoting the vacancy features footage of a person chiselling, sawing and planing a piece of wood with the caption: 'POV [point of view]: you're a carpenter and you want to be a spy... It takes a variety of skills to keep the country safe.' The job description on the intelligence service's website states: 'As a maintenance carpenter, your work will encompass maintenance, repair and construction within secure facilities, including hardening of critical infrastructure and creating bespoke spaces in many different types of property. 'You will be responsible for creating technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and carrying out tasks to a high standard, all while adhering to stringent security protocols. 'Another aspect of the role, and very exciting part of it, is occasionally deploying within the UK on intelligence gathering operations; utilising your trade skills to directly contribute to the security of our nation.' Candidates will have to undergo the most stringent level of security checks, known as developed vetting, including solvency tests to ensure they are not heavily in debt and at risk of being blackmailed. Applicants must also have a City & Guilds Level 2, BTEC, NVQ or equivalent qualification in carpentry and joinery. The job specification continued: 'You will also be expected to maintain required levels of fitness as the job can be physical at times.' Recruits will be given two hours of paid leave each week to exercise or go to the gym. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Edinburgh Live
18-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
HMRC letters to be sent to parents claiming Child Benefit for 16 year olds
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Parents receiving Child Benefit for their 16-year-old children are being advised by HMRC that they risk losing these payments unless they act. Those claiming the benefit have been informed that if their children are continuing in education or enrolling in approved training programmes, they will be required to provide updated details prior to August 31 in order to extend the claim. Presently, 7.62 million households within the UK are recipients of Child Benefit. It amounts to £26.05 per week or £1,354.60 per year for the first child or only child and £17.25 per week or £897 a year for an additional child. It is standard for the claim to be accessible if you are caring for a child below 16 years but individuals may continue claiming up until the child turns 20. Once a child reaches 16, a notification needs to be sent to the government if you are planning to make a continued claim. The cut-off date of August is important, reports the Manchester Evening News. Eligibility to continue the claim is provided by the child carrying out "approved" education and training which will exceed a total of 12 hours each week. For example, levels A, levels T, Scottish advanced higher and NVQ are types of qualifications which might be covered. Traineeship opportunities are further included. In addition, home schoolers can benefit too. Parents who claim Child Benefit are being advised to act swiftly where necessary. They must update their benefit information before 31 August to avoid losing their claim. Eligibility, however, is forfeited if your child enrols in an advanced course like a university degree, BTEC Higher National Certificate, or intermediate/advanced apprenticeship. For those children continuing in approved education, inform HMRC before the cut-off date. Following the completion of the approved education or training, Child Benefit payments will terminate at the end of February, May 31, August 31, or November 30, whichever occurs first. HMRC is mailing out letters to thousands of families, urging them to update their details. These notifications will be sent until the conclusion of July. To ensure ongoing support, parents can renew their Child Benefit claims utilising the HMRC app or online through The letters dispatched include a QR code for swift access to the digital service provided on HMRC claims that the process to update your Child Benefit claim is quick, taking mere "minutes." In the previous year, upwards of 870,000 parents renewed online, covering their teens' Child Benefit. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: "Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to or the HMRC app to confirm today."
