New National Occupational Health Service Aims to Keep People in Employment

In a bid to help long-term sick individuals return to work, the Government plans to recommend running clubs, gardening, and other community activities as part of a new national occupational health service. Doctors, employers, job centres, social workers, and charities will be encouraged to suggest activities like therapy, life coaching, and social prescribing to help individuals on long-term sickness leave.

The initiative, which includes recommendations for engaging in activities such as singing, cooking, and gardening clubs, aims to support those who are signed off work by offering them alternative therapies and community-based interventions. The plan is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of people who remain off work due to health reasons.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins have stated that while the scheme is not “one size fits all,” they hope it will integrate with existing services to help people stay in employment. In an interview with The Times, they said, “We know the longer someone spends out of work, the harder it becomes for them to find a job.” They also highlighted that one in five individuals claiming the highest level of health benefits want to return to work and feel they could do so with the right support.

Currently, 2.2 million people are receiving Universal Credit with no work requirements. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously pledged to address the rising numbers of people too ill to work. The Government’s pilot scheme will launch in 15 areas, testing a service known as WorkWell. This service will combine work coaches, physiotherapy, and mental health treatments. Following the trials, the Government hopes to expand the programme nationally by 2025.

Ms Atkins and Mr Stride explained, “Where someone could fall out of work and onto long-term sickness benefits, WorkWell is designed to swoop in and provide the support that people need to stay in work, or return as soon as possible.”

However, Labour’s shadow employment minister, Alison McGovern, criticised the scheme, calling it “all too little and it’s far too late,” suggesting the programme may not be enough to address the needs of those affected by long-term illness.

Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit Suggests EVs Offer Quick Return on Investment for Drivers

New analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has revealed that new petrol cars could cost their owners £700 more per year to run compared to electric vehicles (EVs). The findings, based on the top-selling petrol models such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Mini, and Nissan Juke, suggest that over a 14-year lifespan, the difference in running costs could accumulate to a “petrol premium” of approximately £10,000.

The study compared fuel costs, which are higher for petrol vehicles, with the lower costs of charging electric cars. Other factors considered included vehicle excise duty and servicing costs. Although electric cars generally have a higher upfront cost, the ECIU points out that the long-term savings from lower running costs, combined with falling battery prices, make EVs a more affordable option over time.

Goldman Sachs predicts a 40% reduction in battery prices between 2022 and 2025, which would further narrow the price gap between petrol and electric cars, encouraging more drivers to make the switch. Under the UK Government’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, 22% of new cars sold next year must be zero-emission, with that figure rising annually until it reaches 100% by 2035.

ECIU transport analyst Colin Walker commented that despite the initial higher cost of EVs, “a switch to an EV will see a quick return on the investment made.” He also highlighted that the growth of the second-hand EV market is crucial for making electric cars more accessible to families.

Rod Dennis from the RAC emphasised the importance of considering the total cost of car ownership, not just the upfront purchase price. He also advocated for government measures to make electric cars more affordable, including the reintroduction of the plug-in car grant and reduced VAT on public chargers.

In another sign of EVs’ growing reliability, the AA reported this week that the number of breakdowns caused by running out of charge has dropped significantly. Just 2.3% of EV callouts in the year to October were related to battery power, a significant decrease from 8.3% in 2015. This trend, the AA suggests, signals the end of “range anxiety” for most EV drivers.

Storm Gerrit Disrupts Travel Across Scotland, Leaving Thousands Without Power

The A9 has been fully reopened following hours of closure caused by the heavy snowfall of Storm Gerrit, which left drivers trapped on the Scottish Highlands road. Police Scotland confirmed that snowploughs had successfully cleared the route, which had been shut down in Drumtocher, but advised motorists to travel with caution and only if necessary.

The snowstorm brought severe disruptions across Scotland, including transport chaos and power outages. Police had previously instructed stranded motorists to stay inside their vehicles and await updates via social media or local radio. Rory Stuart, who was stuck for over six hours in low visibility near Dalwhinnie, shared his experience of the worsening weather and the long wait until being turned around.

In addition to road closures, ScotRail cancelled all services operating north of Dundee and Perth, and flooding in areas like Cupar, Fife, made travel impossible. Train services were suspended after a tree struck a train, damaging its front and narrowly missing the driver, who was unharmed. Meanwhile, some 27,000 homes lost power, with recovery efforts ongoing by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

Severe weather warnings remain in effect, with rain, snow, and high winds continuing to affect the region. As of Wednesday evening, around 18,500 households remained without power, with SSEN warning some may not have electricity restored until Friday. In response, welfare vans have been deployed to affected areas, offering hot meals to those in need.

Officials have urged people to check travel updates regularly and exercise extreme caution, as the storm continues to disrupt both road and rail transport.