Latest news with #OfficeofNationalStatistics
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Labour is normalising our new age of mass migration
The Government is bound to be pleased with the new net migration statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Numbers have fallen by around 40 per cent, to 431,000 last year. After the media firestorm over his 'island of strangers' speech, Keir Starmer might well feel that he's fulfilled his promise to 'finally take back control' of the borders. That would be premature, however. Net migration at that level is still a six-figure increase on the levels before the 2016 Brexit referendum, which was viewed as intolerable then. At this rate, Britain is still receiving the equivalent of the population of Bristol every year and would have added an extra 2 million people by 2029. The gross, as opposed to net, figure shows that nearly 1 million immigrants have arrived in the last recorded year. If the Prime Minister really thinks that mass immigration caused 'incalculable' damage to Britain, then he must think that it is still unacceptably high. The population of foreign-born people in Britain is at a record high of 11.4 million, with Karl Williams of the Centre For Policy Studies pointing out that a staggering 1 in 25 of people in Britain arrived here in the last four years. The number of immigrants granted indefinite leave to remain has increased, meaning that the share of the population with foreign origins will grow. That is a historically unprecedented demographic shift, which is already reshaping the country culturally. With immigration flows that high, integration will also prove difficult, if not impossible. In addition, with the number of new houses built only enough for around half of the new arrivals, the cost of housing will continue to increase. In truth, this reduction is largely a result of restrictions brought in by Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick in the dying days of the last Conservative government. Although there have been more restrictions floated by the current Labour Government in their Immigration White Paper, these have yet to be enacted, and probably won't be for months to come. Plans for a Youth Mobility Visa with the EU, especially if it allows dependents, could easily see numbers begin to creep back up. The Prime Minister therefore needs to bring in greater restrictions soon. He can take heart that these dramatic reductions were the result of sensible restrictions on some dependents and an increase in the skilled visa salary requirement. With the new ONS figures showing that 81,000 came here on work visas but were outnumbered by their 132,000 dependents, as well as large numbers coming on family visas or student visas, further restrictions could lower numbers without affecting how many workers despite the predictions of critics, the large drop in net migration hasn't produced the economic problems they foretold. Greater restrictions will also be necessary because the net migration figures for prior years are often subsequently revised upwards. In 2023 net migration turned out to be 22 per cent higher and in 2022 it was 44 per cent higher than initially calculated. If that proves to be the case again, then the Prime Minister's promise to reduce immigration 'significantly' will end up looking very hollow. 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.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
A new map shows where people get robbed the most on Oxford Street
It's basically second nature to Londoners now – when you walk around central London, make sure that you're clutching onto your smartphone for dear life. Or, even better, have it out of sight completely. That's not to mention all the other valuables you may have on your person. We all know at least one person who has been walking down the street, texting or scrolling on their phone, only for it to be pinched out of their hand at lightning speed by someone passing on a motorcycle or e-bike. Recent data from the Office of National Statistics revealed that in 2024, the City of Westminster was the worst place in London for phone snatching and other kinds of theft, with a whopping 66,623 thefts taking place over the year. And one of the borough's busiest areas, Oxford Street, is considered a particular hotspot for pilfering. Now, a new map using police open data and created by Iain Agan, a data scientist for the Metropolitan Police, shows exactly where along the famous street sees the highest density of robbery. Stretching from Marble Arch tube station to Holborn, the map shows that the highest density of robberies happens around the Primark store, a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station, and by Great Portland Street, just a few metres from Oxford Circus station.
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Rachel Reeves's interview disrupted by on-air audio glitch as Chancellor's voice turns high pitched
A interview was stopped mid-air due to a technical glitch that resulted in her voice sounding extremely high pitched. Discussing recent inflation data from the Office of National Statistics in a squeaky voice, the Chancellor was cut short mid-sentence by Sky News. Presenter Wilfred Frost had to apologise for the technical blunder: "I think we've got a problem there with the sound, again," he explained. Inflation rose to 3.5 per cent last month – the largest month-on-month rise in two and a half years.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Woman spots £65 an hour cat sitting job ad and description is hilarious
A job advertisement has gone viral online after people noticed the impressive £65 an hour pay and description, including the bizarre daily requirements needed from the person Many will be well aware that the job market is challenging at the moment, as several job seekers has expressed their frustrations in not even getting invited for interviews for the roles they've applied for. While the unemployment rate in the UK remains stable, while wage growth continues, vacancies are declining and have recently fallen below pre-pandemic levels, according to the Office of National Statistics. Because of this, most vacancies will be highly competitive, with many having to apply to jobs outside of their expertise in order to make a living. So when an unusual yet well-paying job hits the job boards, there's no doubt it'll be popular. Recruiter Felicity Abbott, owner of recruitment company Found by Felicity, took to TikTok to share a job advert she had come across when browsing through Guardian Jobs, which quickly gained a lot of attraction due to the bizarre description of the daily requirements. "Okay so this is the funniest job ad I've ever seen," Felicity said before explaining what it was for. "So this is for a cat sitter in London, up to £65 an hour, part time or full time. The client is a British shorthair cat, so you're gonna be looking after this cat." With the job being located in Covent Garden in London, she went on to describe some of the work tasks that came with the job. "So, consistent attention for the cat, providing them with fresh milk and food daily. Cats actually shouldn't drink milk cause they're lactose intolerant, Felicity said. "Groom them, and then every Friday you're gonna play them classical music in the office. And then once a month, you're gonna visit Harrods to buy toys for the cat." "So for £65 an hour, you can basically play piano to a cat and go shopping, so this cat has a better life than most people," she told her viewers.. Hundreds of people soon took to the comment section of the video, with many claiming they'd love the job, even if it meant having a cat as your boss. "Ngl [not going to lie] there's not much I wouldn't do for £45 an hour let alone £65," one person said in the comments. Another person shared: "Professional pet sitter here!!! Most won't even pay £6 a visit lol." "That's ridiculous where do I apply?" said a third viewer, as another pointed out: "they're rich enough for their cat to have its own butler." "Coming from someone who had a British shorthair and he only drank Evian. This is absolutely understandable," one cat owner wrote in the comment section. Many also shared that they'd love to get the job, as one wrote: "I would travel for this job. Like willing to do a 2hr commute" Another person shared their heartbreak, writing: "Just redid my cv and write a cover letter to find out they've closed the listing, it was supposed to close on the 7th of June."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK Equity ETF (EWU) Hits New 52-Week High
For investors seeking momentum, iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF EWU is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 18.44% from its 52-week low price of $32.76/share. But are more gains in store for this ETF? Let's take a quick look at the fund and the near-term outlook on it to get a better idea of where it might be headed: The underlying MSCI United Kingdom Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the London Stock Exchange. The product charges 50 bps in annual fees (See: All European Equity ETFs). The British economy grew more than expected in first quarter 2025, largely driven by the services sector. Per the Office of National Statistics, the production sector also saw a rebound following a period of decline. Additionally, increased infrastructure spending and reforms aimed at boosting investment seem to be favorable steps for the economy. Currently, EWU has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook. However, it might continue its strong performance in the near term, with a positive weighted alpha of 8.93 (as of which gives cues of a further rally. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
