Sir Keir Starmer Urged to Scrap State Pension Triple Lock Thursday, April 16, 2026 pensions triplelock keirstarmer jeremyhunt michaelgove statepension debt economy studentdebt unemployment Sir Jeremy Hunt, former Conservative Chancellor, has urged Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider the Triple Lock pledge for state pensions. The Triple Lock policy ensures that the state pension rises annually by the highest of three … Read More
Visiting Willenhall: A Town Struggling Yet United by Strong Community Spirit Saturday, March 21, 2026 willenhall community deprivation festivals poverty redevelopment history foodbank unemployment resilience A lively voice cuts through the hum of music, traffic, and chatter at Willenhall’s bustling outdoor market. A butcher, clad in a black and white apron, enthusiastically shouts about his fresh products from his shop doorway. … Read More
DWP Confronts 'Existential' Crisis Amid Rising Youth Unemployment Wednesday, February 18, 2026 dwp youth unemployment workforce benefits pandemic skills employment training government The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing what has been described as an “existential” crisis: the urgent need to reintegrate younger people into the workforce. Recent data reveals that youth … Read More
A Third of Birmingham’s Workforce Unemployed as City Lags Behind in Living Standards Tuesday, January 27, 2026 birmingham unemployment livingstandards westmidlands economicgrowth disposableincome jobs inequality northsouthdivide centreforcities New research reveals that Birmingham has the highest proportion of people not in work among UK cities, significantly impacting living standards across the city and the wider West Midlands region. Only 70% of working-age … Read More
Four Million Receiving Universal Credit Without Job Search Requirement Sunday, December 7, 2025 universalcredit benefits jobless employment welfare labourmarket dwp unemployment government economy A growing concern is emerging as four million individuals currently receive Universal Credit without the obligation to seek employment—an increase of one million compared to last year. This figure represents half of the eight … Read More
Midlands Metro Route Highlights Socioeconomic Divide in Dudley Borough Monday, December 1, 2025 midlandsmetro dudley poverty deprivation unemployment socialhousing regeneration economy transport infrastructure The forthcoming extension of the Midlands Metro tram line into Dudley town centre casts a revealing spotlight on economic inequality within the borough. The initial phase is nearing completion, with further expansion planned … Read More