Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Government Workforce Statistics December 2024

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

    The latest quarterly Scottish Government Workforce Information statistics have been published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. These statistics cover the numbers of workers, staff sickness rates, and the diversity of staff up to the most recent quarter ending December 2024.

    The statistics show that:

    • At the end of December 2024 there were 8,975 full time equivalent (FTE) directly employed staff, an increase on last year’s figure of 8,824 (1.7%) at the end of December 2023.
    • At the end of December 2024 99.5% of full time equivalent (FTE) directly employed staff were permanent and 0.5% were temporary. This compares to last year (December 2023: 99.2%, 0.8%).
    • There was a 24% decrease in the number (headcount) of contingent (non-directly employed) workers from the end of December 2023 (1,436) to the end of December 2024 (1,096), a decrease of 340 workers.
    • The staff sickness level was 8.6 average working days lost (AWDL) per staff year in the 12 month period ending December 2024, compared with 8.2 AWDL for the 12 month period ending December 2023. This equates to a loss of 3.8% of working days in the 12 month period ending December 2024.
    • Just over half (56.5%) of the workforce were female, compared to 43.5% male. The proportion of female staff is slightly higher than that in the same period last year (56.4% December 2023).
    • At the end of December 2024 the majority of staff were aged between 30 and 59, broken down as follows: 30-39 (28.6%), 40-49 (27.8%), 50-59 (22.6%), 13.9% were aged 16-29, and 7.2% were aged 60 or over.

    Background

    The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

    The full statistics are available at:

    https://beta.gov.scot/publications/workforce-information/

    The statistics contain quarterly data from March 2012 to December 2024 and present:

    • full time equivalent numbers and headcounts in each directly employed staff category
    • headcounts of contingent workers engaged in work for the Scottish Government
    • sickness absence levels of directly employed staff, headcounts of directly employed staff by age, disability status, ethnicity, sex, marital/civil partnership status, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

    The Scottish Government uses the data internally for monitoring the performance of its workforce. Other expected users of the data in this publication are likely to include the general public and media for information about the Scottish Government, and other government departments for comparative purposes.

    Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff. More information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at:

    Statistics and research – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charitable Bonds housing investment reaches half a billion

    Source: Scottish Government

    Thousands of new homes delivered through scheme.

    Additional investment of £24 million through an innovative programme to deliver affordable homes across Scotland will see total funding in the scheme reach half a billion pounds.

    Started in 2014, the Charitable Bonds scheme provides loans to housing associations to build properties for social rent, while also generating additional funds for the Scottish Government’s affordable housing budget.

    So far, the programme has supported the delivery of more than 4,000 new homes through direct loans to Registered Social Landlords. This has generated a further £146 million to support the delivery of 1,300 social rented homes.

    On a visit to an affordable housing development in Rosewell, Midlothian which has benefitted from the scheme, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed that additional investment will support the issuing of new bonds to three housing associations.

    Link Group, Kingdom Housing Association and Wheatley Group will be provided with loan finance to build around 175 homes while generating additional funds for future projects.

    Ms Somerville said:

    “We need to use all the tools available to deliver more new affordable homes and help tackle the housing emergency.  The Charitable Bonds programme has successfully supplemented investment in our affordable housing budget while also allowing social landlords to access additional borrowing to build much needed new homes.

    “Taking our investment to more than £500 million demonstrates our commitment to continue that success and see more affordable homes built – building on the 4,000 already delivered through this scheme.

    “We will also continue to support the delivery of social homes through the £768 million investment in affordable housing over the next financial year which will enable the delivery of at least 8,000 more homes, as set out in the Scottish Government’s Budget – an increase of more than £200 million.

    “The Scottish Government is committed to tackling the housing emergency – and while there is more to do, there is real progress being delivered.”

    Scottish Federation of Housing Associations CEO Sally Thomas said:

    “It’s never been more crucial that we deliver many more secure, warm and affordable homes. The Charitable Bonds scheme is an important part of doing so, and it’s great to see SFHA members receiving these funds to deliver the homes we desperately need.

    “Social homes make lives and places better. As we move forward, working our way out of the housing emergency, continuing, consistent and multi-year government investment in our social homes will be essential – not only to provide the homes we need but also to tackle poverty and help us create a fairer Scotland.”

    Allia C&C Director and Head of Scottish Office Peter Freer said:

    “Allia issued its first charitable bonds in 1999, raising just under £1 million to support local housing and community projects in Sheffield. From these small beginnings, we’re proud to now celebrate over £500 million of Scottish Government investment in our bonds since 2014. Through this highly successful partnership, we have provided simple finance and grants to housing associations of all sizes all across Scotland, funding the creation of thousands of new affordable homes.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Winchester Litterpickers celebrate 30 years

    Source: City of Winchester

    Winchester Litterpickers are celebrating 30 years of local volunteer litter picks this year. Multiple picks now take place each week and they estimate that around 1,000 sacks of litter are collected every year.

    Some of the volunteers from Winchester Litterpickers 

    Chair of the group Eddie lives in Alresford Road and first joined in 1996, the year after it was founded. He said: “I signed up initially as the two founders of the group came into the school where I was headteacher and sang a litter picking song to the children. It started with a handful of people and quickly grew; we now have around 70 volunteers in total. It’s such a welcoming and friendly group, and we’re getting out in the fresh air too.   

    “The city council helps us by supplying grabbers and we’re in contact with other teams about items we might come across.”

    Elaine, one of the pick leaders, has been involved for over 15 years. She said: “Picking can be a very therapeutic thing to do and it’s good to feel you’re making a bit of a difference. We also collect the aluminium cans separately to support the HIOWAA.”

    The Weeke group heads to local independent business Café Bartella Winchester, run by husband and wife team Sukru and Aysa, after picks. 

    Chris, who lives in Harestock and has been picking with the group since 2018, adds: “It’s giving something back, isn’t it. And the coffee afterwards is a wonderful bonus.”

    Volunteer Ursula agrees: “It’s a lovely group, with lots of interesting, different views and backgrounds. There are a small amount of people who drop litter, and a larger group of people who want places to look nice, and it’s an easy quick positive change you can make to somewhere when you take that litter away.”

    Kevin lives in Bereweeke Avenue. He said: “I hate litter and now that I am retired I have the time to be able to volunteer. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to join us and give it a go. You’ll pick it up as you go along – I may have stolen that joke from Eddie!”

    The Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean takes place from 21 March until 6 April 2025. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Road safety improvements underway in Wednesfield ahead of transformation scheme starting

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The works, expected to be completed around the turn of the month, are underway at Wood End Road roundabout and along Linthouse Lane and will see the introduction of chicanes, improved road signs and road marking to assist in controlling traffic speeds.

    It follows 13 recorded injury collisions in the previous 3 years along this section of road.

    During construction the chicanes will be temporarily formed using cones and signs to protect the works but also to allow motorists to adjust to the new road layout.

    Meanwhile, technical plans are being finalised and a contractor appointed as part of a £3.3million programme to improve the High Street.

    The scheme will deliver environmental enhancements to the public realm and markets to encourage increased footfall, linked trips and dwell time to support businesses and boost the local economy.

    The designs follow extensive consultation and engagement with the public and traders, with the scheme on track to be delivered by the government’s March 2026 deadline.

    City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City, Councillor Qaiser Azeem, said: “The next year will be exciting for Wednesfield as we transform the High Street through this major investment.

    “As well as bringing vibrancy to the centre it is important that we make linked journeys as safe and enjoyable as possible for residents and visitors.

    “The current improvement works at Wood End Road roundabout and along Linthouse Lane will make the area safer for pedestrians and road users.

    “We would also urge motorists using these roads to be extra vigilant and pay attention to their speed.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: WayWORD puts the spotlight on women in STEM and art The legacy of a mathematician and writer hailed as one of the earliest pioneers of computer science will be celebrated at an Aberdeen literary festival.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Ada LovelaceThe legacy of a mathematician and writer hailed as one of the earliest pioneers of computer science will be celebrated at an Aberdeen literary festival.
    Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Aberdeen-born Romantic poet Lord Byron, is remembered for her groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general purpose computer, first described in 1837.
    Her legacy is the focus of a special event at the University of Aberdeen’s cross-arts festival WayWORD that will combine the impact of Lovelace’s work on our lives today with a demonstration of new AI technology developed by Aberdeen engineers which enables audiences to enjoy a unique musical performance created from live painted drawings.
    The software, developed by AI developer Jack Caven and AI specialist Dr Andrew Starkey from the University of Aberdeen, translates tangible painted marks into audible sounds in real time and unique for each performance.
    They have worked with visual artist Kate Steenhauer’s on the ‘PaintingMusic’ project and her artwork depicts and pays tribute to Lovelace’s contributions to technological advancement, reflecting on the role of technology today, current advancements in AI and the impacts on our world.
    The project has also produced creative tools for audiences to explore AI’s limitations, encompassing performance and an interactive app which the audience will be able to try on the day.
    Developed using ‘Explainable, Green and Creative AI’, the app allows audiences to create their own interactive ‘performance’ by creating musical scores from their drawings through the Painting Music software.
    The free event will take place at 3.30pm on Wednesday 26th March at St Machar Academy and is supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding and Explorathon: a pan-Scotland festival celebrating research taking place in Scottish institutions and the impact it has on people’s lives which will return in September. Public Engagement and Events Coordinator Charlotte Lever explains, ‘We are supporting this activity as it connects people in local communities who don’t have day-to-day engagement with universities and showcases important research’.
    Earlier in the day at St Machar Academy, all female S1 pupils will attend workshops with Kate exploring Lovelace’s legacy as well as Kate’s own career and experiences as an engineer and visual artist based in Aberdeen.
    Other events in the WayWORD ‘Spring into Summer’ programme across March to May includes a community readthrough of a brand-new play exploring the past, present and future of Torry in Aberdeen, street art workshops with Outlines Collective at Sunnybank Park, and a series of events at Sir Duncan Rice Library including the Aberdeen launch of a new queer Scottish writing anthology Fierce Salvage, and a Gothic writing workshop, Carrion Crow book launch and talk about what it’s really like to be a professional writer with acclaimed author Heather Parry. All of these other WayWORD’s events are free and supported by Creative Scotland’s National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations. Tickets can be booked online at www.waywordfestival.com
    WayWORD is part of the WORD Centre for Creative Writing within the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen among knowledge exchange award winners The University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange AwardsThe University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.
    The University, along with partners Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd, picked up the Powerful Partnership award for their work developing AI-powered diagnostics using Epitogen® technology to detect autoimmune and infectious diseases.
    The internationally recognised collaboration was praised by organisers for yielding “world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.”
    Read more about this collaborative project
    The event held at the Edinburgh Futures Institute brought together Scotland’s rich ecosystem of talent to celebrate transformational collaborations between businesses, communities, universities, colleges, and research institutes which are solving industry challenges, improving productivity, advancing research and supporting Scotland’s ambition to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world.
    Developments in renewable energy, mental health, medicine and food and drink scooped awards across 10 categories.
    Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It was good to see the full breadth of academic and business-led innovation on show at Interface’s annual awards.
    “It demonstrated why our expertise in so many sectors is revered around the world, from renewable energy and health technology, to food and drink.
    “Scotland has been at the forefront of many of the world’s most impactful innovations, from the MRI Scanner and penicillin to televisions and telephones. Yet, by combining research and business, so many new and exciting Scottish breakthroughs are just on the horizon and that is something we should all champion.”
    Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the Awards, said: “The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate successful partnerships where knowledge is shared to create new solutions. The nominees and winners we are celebrating exemplify how collaboration drives valuable advancements. These partnerships have led to the development of new technologies, products, and services that contribute to economic progress and societal benefit. Their innovations are not only transforming Scotland but also have the potential to make a global impact.”
    The in full:
    Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd
    SolarSub Ltd, in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at the University of Strathclyde, for refining the design of a solar panel cooling system, optimising it for manufacturing and scalability. Additionally, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, the technology underwent rigorous field trials to evaluate its performance under extreme heat conditions, ensuring its robustness and efficacy.
    Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise
    Joint winners: Dr Dayi Zhang and Matthew Gibson
    Dr Dayi Zhang, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd for developing a portable, non-invasive ultrasonic device that revolutionises whisky cask monitoring. Designed for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, the device enhances safety, reduces costs, and minimises carbon emissions, aligning with net zero goals. This innovation preserves cultural heritage while driving environmental progress and local economic growth.
    Matthew Gibson, KTP Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, is creating the next generation of data-driven condition monitoring solutions for the oil and gas sector. This project is developing the Vision© reliability platform and has demonstrated reduced machine downtime and energy waste, in pursuit of net zero and sustainable engineering processes.
    Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

    Canon Medical Research Europe and the University of Edinburgh for bringing new AI Innovation and thinking to the heart of the business. The relationship contributed to increased inward investment and headcount in Canon Edinburgh as well as new collaborative research funding opportunities in the research and translation of Causal AI.
    Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK
    Winner: Professor John Bachtler
    Professor John Bachtler has transformed Scotland’s regional policy knowledge exchange through 40 years of leadership at the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. He advanced policy innovation via networks such as EoRPA and IQ-Net, linking Scotland with European policy frameworks. His strategic insights, mentoring, and impactful KE collaborations strengthened regional development policy, inspired future leaders, and enhanced Scotland’s European policy influence.
    Highly Commended: Dr Andrea Rodriguez and Dr Bryan McCann
    Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, for sustaining engagement and impact on non-academic audiences by co-designing an international knowledge exchange programme on youth homelessness. Helping Young People Feel at Home took a multi-agency approach, involving critical thinking and dialogue with young people in Scotland and Brazil to improve service provision and professional practices.
    Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University, has championed knowledge exchange throughout his academic career, establishing several strategic partnerships within the physical activity and mental health sectors. These partnerships have facilitated innovative and high-quality student placements, generated income for impactful knowledge exchange programmes, and contributed to health and wellbeing across Scotland.
    Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team and individual – sponsored by Azets Ltd
    Individual
    Susan Armstrong, KE Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been instrumental in transforming the knowledge exchange landscape at the university through her strategic and collaborative approach. Her efforts, dedication, and unwavering support have significantly advanced the university’s KE initiatives, benefiting both the academic community and industry partners.
    Team
    The Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University has for 10 years championed KE in the food and drink sector in Scotland. They have developed progressive models for industry/academia KE career pathways, supported an impressive SME client portfolio and attracted increasing attention from global food companies and retailers.
    Making a Social Difference
    Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University are collaborating to review, redesign and deliver SAMH’s Psychological Wellbeing services. Through partnership SAMH and GCU have developed the Time for You service, supporting mental health of thousands of members of the public via immediate access to free mental health support, delivered by GCU Trainee Psychologists.
    Making an Environmental Difference
    Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the wind turbine decommissioning process, promoting the refurbishment and remanufacturing of high-integrity, high-value parts within the wind energy sector, instead of being recycled and returned to raw materials or, worse still, landfill. This circularity approach will have a significant impact on the UK economy and net-zero targets.
    Multiparty Collaboration
    Winner:
    Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) – Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, Robert Gordon University and over 170 medical device companies, to develop and commercialise innovative medical devices.
    Highly Commended:
    The Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project, a partnership between The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics and Fugro, is developing advanced AI and autonomous systems for undertaking remote inspections of offshore wind farms to offer a safe, efficient and sustainable solution for global energy providers.
    Place-based Impact sponsored by Business Gateway
    Winner:
    Digital Dairy Chain – Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland, First Milk, Lactalis, NMR, SmartSTEMs, Kendal Nutricare, CENSIS and Cows & Co, is transforming the dairy sector across the South and West of Scotland and Cumbria. This partnership is driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating job creation, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region.
    Highly Commended:
    Control of Sheep Scab – Moredun Research Institute, Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association, The Old Mill Veterinary Practice, Scottish Government, The Crofters of Lewis & Harris, Lewis Crofters, Neil Fell Mobile Dipping Ltd, Zoetis Animal Health Ltd and Bimeda Ltd has developed a community-led approach to prevent and control sheep scab. This project demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can effectively prevent disease, improve sheep welfare and productivity, and rekindle a strong sense of community.
    Powerful Partnership sponsored by Skillfluence
    Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen have developed transformative AI-powered diagnostics leveraging the innovative Epitogen® recombinant technology for diagnosing autoimmune and infectious diseases. This long-term collaboration has yielded world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.
    Join the conversation on X at #SKEAwards and LinkedIn at @Interface.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool powering ahead thanks to new char.gy electric vehicle chargers

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has appointed char.gy to install a network of 300 on-street electric vehicle (EV) charge points – with the locations focused on streets with no off-street parking.

    The additional charge points are set to increase Liverpool City Council’s existing network to 670.

    char.gy is a leading EV charging provider, managing a network of over 3,600 public charge points across the UK.

    Approximately 40% of UK households face challenges due to limited access to off-street parking. On-street charging solutions overcome this issue by strategically installing charge points along residential streets, bringing convenient and affordable charging directly to drivers’ doorsteps. 

    By investing in charging infrastructure, Liverpool City Council is looking to ensure EV adoption is possible for people wherever they live in the city – and help to make a big step towards achieving its carbon net zero target by 2030.

    The new char.gy charge points, which will be installed directly into existing street lampposts, charge at a speed of up to 5kW and take just under two hours to install. They will all be powered by 100% renewable energy, backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs).

    The rollout is planned for key residential and commercial locations, allowing residents to easily charge hybrid and electric vehicles on the street where they live. The locations of the new chargers were selected following requests from residents who have no off-street parking options.

    After Liverpool City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, it unveiled its 2030 Net Zero Liverpool Action Plan which laid out a roadmap to tackle its carbon footprint.

    One of the key aims of this plan, which also includes developing the city’s cycling and walking infrastructure, was to reduce carbon emissions from transport in Liverpool.  Liverpool’s goal is to make EV charging accessible for everyone, with a particular focus on residents who do not have access to private off-street parking and charging.

    Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “I’m delighted that we are providing even more on-street car charging for residents. This is a crucial hurdle to overcome in ensuring a just transition from fossil fuels to a net zero city.

    “Not everyone has a private drive where they can install their own charging point. So, this increase in on-street chargers is a hugely significant infrastructure upgrade that will support the switch to EVs.”

    John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, said: “We’re excited to partner with Liverpool City Council to make EV charging more accessible, especially for residents without off-street parking. Switching to an electric vehicle should be easy for everyone, no matter where they live.

    “By installing charge points along residential streets, char.gy brings convenient, reliable, and affordable charging right to drivers’ doorsteps. Residents can easily charge overnight from home and take advantage of our discounted Night Tariff during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower – just like homeowners with driveways do. By bridging this ‘driveway divide,’ we’re making EV ownership a realistic option for more people.

    “We look forward to working with Liverpool City Council as they continue their journey toward a cleaner, greener Liverpool and help make sustainable transport a reality for even more residents.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on Liverpool’s new neurodivergent strategy

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Last updated:

    People across Liverpool are being encouraged to have their say on a new neurodivergent strategy for the city.

    The Liverpool Neurodivergent All-Age Strategy, 2025-2030, has been co-produced by the Liverpool Neurodiversity Strategic Partnership, and represents 18 months of development. And now all stakeholders who live, work or study in Liverpool are invited to give feedback during an eight-week consultation.

    The consultation was officially launched at a city centre event on Wednesday as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. The draft strategy and survey is now available on Liverpool City Council’s website and will be open until Wednesday 14 May.

    Feedback from the consultation will be used to further develop the strategy that will then inform future improvements to services for neurodivergent people and their families.

    It is planned that the final strategy will be presented to the city’s Health and Wellbeing Board in September.

    It is thought that one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent, equating to about 69,200 people in Liverpool, although this is likely to be much higher due to under diagnosis.

    The strategy’s vision is:

    To create a society that recognises, understands, and embraces neurodiversity, making Liverpool a great place to live, study, work and visit.

    Neurodivergent people are enabled to live a longer, happier, healthier, fulfilled life and reach their full potential.

    The strategy contains five ambitions:

    • Celebrating neurodiversity
    • Early intervention, assessment, diagnosis and support
    • Accessible health and care services
    • Right to a fulfilling life
    • Working differently.

    Respondents are encouraged to share how neurodiversity impacts positively on their life and are also offered the opportunity to become involved in the strategy’s future development and delivery.

    The Liverpool Neurodiversity Strategic Partnership brings together representatives from the council, the NHS, education, researchers, and the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector, as well as neurodivergent people, their families and carers.

    Cllr Angela Coleman, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said: “The proposed Liverpool Neurodivergent All-Age Strategy represents many months of hard work from the Strategic Partnership, and they can be proud that they have developed a document that can potentially have a truly transformative effect on thousands of lives in our city.

    “We’re now really excited to hear what the city thinks and we’re encouraging everyone with lived experience or an understanding of neurodivergence to share their feedback to ensure that the strategy becomes a truly meaningful future tool for the city’s decision makers.

    “By sharing your experiences of neurodivergence you will not only be helping to improve services you will also be helping us to understand how neurodivergent people enrich our city.”

    Anthony Leo, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Interim Place Director for Liverpool, said: “We want neurodivergent people in Liverpool to have access to early support and services that meet their needs and help them to reach their full potential. 

    “This strategy represents an important step in making that vision a reality in line with work being undertaken across Cheshire and Merseyside to improve our approach to neurodiversity and I’d encourage everyone with lived experience to share their feedback and play an important role in improving the lives of thousands of people in our city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool City Council set to extend contract for crisis household scheme

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A scheme which provides furniture and domestic appliances to people in crisis in Liverpool is set to be extended.

    The ‘homes needs’ element of the Citizens Support Scheme supports residents who can’t afford to buy essential goods including a fridge, oven, sofa or bed.

    Last year the £1.4 million scheme, which is delivered by Liverpool-based social enterprise The Furniture Resource Centre, made 12,000 awards.

    A report to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 25 March is recommending the ‘home needs’ element of the contract is extended for a further 12 months. A fresh procurement process to award a new long-term contract will take place later in the year.

    Separately, the Citizens Support Scheme also helps people with ‘urgent needs’ including food and fuel costs and last year made 11,000 awards worth £800,000.

    Examples of other support provided by the Council to low-income households includes:

    • The Council Tax Support Scheme – which is one of the most generous among big ‘core’ cities and in the Liverpool City Region. It has recently been changed to give eligible households a 12 month award to provide certainty and help them budget
    • In the 2025/26 budget, the Council committed to increasing the size of the Benefits Maximisation Service team by 50 per cent. Over the last year, they increased income for the most vulnerable households by £7,643,529 – up £433,583 compared to January 2024

    Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Cllr Ruth Bennett, said: “The Citizens Support Scheme is a lifeline for thousands of low-income households in Liverpool.

    “This is a scheme that is discretionary but that we choose to provide because it is absolutely vital that residents – whatever their background – have access to basic household appliances and furniture.

    “It is an integral part of our work to support vulnerable households which also includes the Council Tax Support Scheme and our hugely successful Benefits Maximisation Service which ensures residents are claiming all the support they are entitled to.”

    Shaun Doran, CEO of FRC Group, said: “Liverpool City Council’s Home Needs Scheme is a vital lifeline for residents across Liverpool who would otherwise be unable to access essential furniture and appliances, lifting them out of Furniture Poverty.

    “We are delighted to be continuing to work with the council on this scheme as it aligns perfectly with FRC Group’s core mission to end furniture poverty.

    “We know from the work of our national End Furniture Poverty campaign that Liverpool’s scheme is one of the best in England, playing a crucial role in improving living standards for households across the city, and we congratulate the council on continuing to provide this support.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate, commemorate and reflect with VE and VJ 80 Days in Leeds

    Source: City of Leeds

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds invites everyone to join her in marking the commemoration of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan with an evening of music, word, and song in May.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day.

    Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, marked the unconditional surrender of the German armed forces on May 8 1945 ending nearly six years of fighting in the European theatre of war. 

    Fighting in the Far East continued for another three months following VE Day, with Japanese forces surrendering on August 14 1945. The surrender of Japan is known as Victory over Japan Day, or VJ Day. Although VJ Day took place on August 14-15, Japan formally surrendered on September 2 1945, which marked the official end of the Second World War. 

    As the country celebrates, commemorates, and reflects on the end of the war, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung will host a civic event at Leeds Minster on the evening of May 10 2025. 

    Invited guests include royal representatives and civic leaders from across West Yorkshire, along with diplomats and ambassadors.

    The event will feature orchestral, choir, and bagpipe performances, contemporary songs of the war era, and personal stories of Leeds people who contributed to the victory. Focusing on a timeline running through the nearly six years of war, the testimonies will not just examine the stories of those who fought, but contributions from the Women’s Land Army, firefighters, the home front in Leeds, and the contribution of the royal family.  

    Music for the event will be provided by the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, The Bridge Ensemble, the Hummingbirds vocal harmony trio, and the Leeds Pipe Band.

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “The Second World War was the costliest conflict in human history, fought to defend the freedoms that we still enjoy today. 

    “Therefore, it is fitting that we as a city mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war not just with solemnity, but by trying to capture the spirit of that time through music and song, and the stories of the many Leeds people who contributed to victory. 

    “The anniversary is also a time for reflection on the many sacrifices made during that time and to learn from the strength and resilience of communities that came together for a common cause. 

    “I hope you will join me at this special civic event to mark the achievements of a very special generation of people who gave their all for our freedom.”

    The Leader of Leeds City CouncilCouncillor James Lewis, said: “The Second World War was a pivotal moment in world history and Leeds and its people made a critical contribution to the war effort. 

    “Thousands of men and women from Leeds contributed by joining the armed forces and auxiliary organisations. Others by keeping the country fed, with power, heat, and transport, and safe from the threatened invasion through organisations like the Women’s Land Army, the ‘Bevin Boy’ miners, and the Civil Defence Service.

    “As a city, we can be proud of the role our citizens played in delivering victory over tyranny, and it is only right that we mark the occasion with a civic event to celebrate their achievements, commemorate their sacrifices, and reflect on the lessons of a war that changed the world.”

    The VE/VJ Day 80 Leeds event takes place at 7:30pm on May 10 at Leeds Minster. Tickets are £5 with all proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, however, concessions are available. You can book your ticket by visiting: https://www.leedstickethub.co.uk/whatson-event/80th-anniversary-of-ve-vj-day-commemoration-concert/

    In addition to the civic event, the Lord Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, will also attend a short service at the War Memorial in Victoria Gardens, Leeds, at 11am on Thursday May 8 2025, to lay wreaths and remember the contributions of all those who served and gave their lives in the Second World War. 

    The public has also been invited to submit any photographs they may own of the VE and VJ Day celebrations in Leeds to a new collection on the Leeds Libraries historical photo platform, ‘Leodis’. Photography can be submitted by emailing localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk. If people need help digitising their images, librarians can help at the weekly digital drop-in sessions at community hubs. Details of the drop-in session can be found at https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/digital-drop-ins

    For residents looking to hold a street party, Leeds City Council will, where possible and appropriate, support and administer a scheme to allow neighbours to formally close their street to facilitate a VE & VJ street party event. Applications would need to be received on or before 15th April 2025 for the application to be administered and to be processed in time. More details about closing your road can be found at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/licences-and-permits/play-streets  

    Ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council Approves Redevelopment Plans for 38-40 George Street for New Wilde Aparthotel and Community Space

    Source: City of Oxford

    Published: Thursday, 20 March 2025

    PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF MARICK REAL ESTATE: Oxford City Council Approves Redevelopment Plans for 38-40 George Street for New Wilde Aparthotel and Community Space

    Marick Real Estate is thrilled to announce that Oxford City Council has approved plans to redevelop 38-40 George Street into a stunning 145-room aparthotel operated by Staycity Group under their lifestyle Wilde brand. This major development will not only enhance the city’s hospitality offerings but also bring vital community benefits, making it a landmark project for the Gloucester Green area. 

    In addition to the aparthotel, the development will include a 400m² community space, developed in partnership with Makespace Oxford. This versatile space will serve as a hub for a wide variety of community activities, further enriching the local area and providing a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. 

    The project, designed with sustainability at its core, will be awarded a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. It will contribute to Oxford’s green agenda by achieving a 60% Biodiversity Net Gain, enrolling into the City’s “Safe Places” scheme, and reducing carbon emissions by over 40%. This scheme promises to set a new standard for environmentally responsible development in Oxford. 

    Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management, commented: “This is an exciting milestone for the project and I look forward to seeing more detailed plans emerge as the team moves forward. This regeneration will revitalise the area, provide much-needed accommodation relieving pressure on family homes, and create a dedicated community space. It will also support local jobs, with workers being paid at least the Oxford Living Wage. We look forward to seeing it take shape.”  

    Andrew Heselton, of Marick Real Estate, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are pleased to achieve this important milestone and look forward to developing the design, securing third-party agreements, and procuring our construction partner for this scheme prior to commencing the works in early 2026.” 

    The regeneration of 38-40 George Street promises to be a significant step forward in enhancing Oxford’s urban landscape, supporting its local economy, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. Staycity’s Wilde aparthotel will offer a unique, premium experience, while the new community space will become a valuable asset for people of all ages. 

    Construction is set to begin in early 2026, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the city’s vibrant Gloucester Green area. 

    For any further information please visit the project website: www.george-street.co.uk 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes latest fire safety remediation report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    RSH publishes latest fire safety remediation report

    All social landlords in England are required to submit quarterly data to RSH and MHCLG

    Today (20 March 2025) the Regulator of Social Housing published the findings from its latest quarterly survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector. 

    All social landlords are required to submit quarterly data to RSH and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the fire safety remediation of relevant buildings for which they are responsible. 

    Of the 17,299 relevant buildings reported, 99.9% had fire risk assessments undertaken and 11.1% (1,920) were reported as currently having a life critical fire safety defect relating to the external wall system. 

    73.6% of relevant buildings with a LCFS EWS defect are expected to be remediated within five years. Landlords have said that remediation timelines can slip due to factors such as navigating complex legal arrangements, difficulties sourcing contractors and supply chain delays.  

    Landlords are expected to keep accurate data and rigorous systems in place to make sure all tenants are safe. This includes any necessary mitigating measures to protect residents while works are completed. 

    Since 14 June 2017 a total of 2,545 buildings have been identified as having an EWS-related LCFS defect, with 625 (24.6%) of these buildings having been remediated historically and a further 123 (4.8%) buildings having work completed but awaiting a new building works assessment. 

    RSH will continue to monitor the performance of landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans. 

    Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: 

    “Tenants’ health and safety is non-negotiable and we have a number of tools at our disposal – including these surveys, as well as proactive inspections and responsive engagement – to make sure landlords are making the necessary progress on fire safety remediation.  

    “Boards and councillors have a duty to seek assurance that landlords are meeting legal obligations for building safety, and that risks are being well managed and promptly remedied. 

    “This includes any risks to tenants while work has not been completed.” 

    Notes to editors 

    1. The data referred to in this publication were reported in the Q3 2024/2025 survey, which ran from 13 December 2024 to 22 January 2025, with data being reported as at 31 December 2024. 

    2. Remediation work has started (but not yet completed) on 18.5% (355) of affected buildings 

    3. 29% (434) of landlords reported being responsible for at least one relevant building in this quarter. The majority of these were large landlords (those with 1,000 or more units).   

    4. Landlords reported that work had already started or is complete on 24.9% (478) of affected buildings. 21.1% (406) of affected buildings have a completion date that is beyond ten years or is unclear from the survey response. 

    5. LCFS are defined as defects, shrinkages, faults or other failings in a building that give rise to fire safety risks identified by a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction or a fire risk assessment (or equivalent) undertaken to industry standards. 

    6. We advise caution in interpreting data changes over time as they may be influenced, at least in part, by a change in the number of reported buildings and their assessment status at each quarter end.

    7. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Department for Business and Trade welcomes Ghanaian Healthcare Delegation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Department for Business and Trade welcomes Ghanaian Healthcare Delegation

    Fifteen organisations from Ghana’s healthcare sector will be participating in a UK roadshow from 17-21 March 2025.

    The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has today welcomed a delegation of 15 organisations from Ghana’s healthcare sector for a four-city roadshow aimed at strengthening trade partnerships and development opportunities.

    The delegation, visiting the UK from 17-21 March 2025, includes representatives from the Ghanaian government, private health facilities, pharmaceutical and medical equipment distributors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

    The visit will strengthen the existing healthcare collaboration between the UK and Ghana, which already spans research and training, knowledge and expertise transfer, investment, and healthcare systems strengthening.

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, John Humphrey, who is leading the UK delegation, said:

    The UK is committed to strengthening its economic ties with Africa, and Ghana is a key partner in this effort as we partner together to unlock growth, jobs, trade, investment, and opportunities in our economies.

    The UK is committed to strengthening its economic ties with Africa, and Ghana is a key partner in this effort as we partner together to unlock growth, jobs, trade, investment, and opportunities in our economies.

    The roadshow begins in London before continuing to Birmingham, Leeds, and Cardiff. Throughout the tour, Ghanaian delegates will meet with UK companies offering solutions and expertise that match Ghana’s healthcare needs. This initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with African nations and building capacity to address issues around supply chain disruption over the past years. By working together – we can get ahead of global shocks, mitigate their impact, and unlock new opportunities for growth between our two countries.

    British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson said:

    The UK and Ghana have enjoyed a long and consistent partnership on healthcare, enhancing the health services available to citizens as well as supporting opportunities for both British and Ghanaian businesses. This roadshow is an opportunity to deepen that partnership, harnessing our nations’ collective expertise, innovation, experience and dynamism. I am confident that the visit will foster productive connections, paving the way for growth and prosperity between Ghana and the UK.

    This visit presents a valuable opportunity for UK businesses to explore Ghana’s growing healthcare market, while enabling Ghana to access the UK’s expertise, products, and services in the sector.

    The Department for Business and Trade looks forward to productive engagement between the delegations, leading to increased trade and collaboration in healthcare.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh Greens bring vote on Council rejecting Trump

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Donald Trump is not welcome in Scotland.

    Edinburgh City Council has been urged to reject Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit, with a motion from the city’s Green councillors calling for members and officers to boycott any visit and ensure that no council budgets are used in hosting it.

    The motion, which will be debated today, condemns the US President’s “emerging fascist state” and calls for the Council to ensure that none of its resources are used to support a Trump visit in any way.

    Scottish Green councillor Alex Staniforth said:

    “Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city that stands with the communities being attacked by Donald Trump and the far right government that he leads.

    “Donald Trump has shown a total contempt for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Our Council does not have the power to stop him from visiting Edinburgh, but we can ensure that he is not given the warm welcome he craves.

    “There are millions of people across the US and beyond who are frightened for their friends and family who are having their rights eroded or removed by this White House. Those are the people we are standing with.

    “We hope that all parties will join us in condemning the planned state visit and rejecting Donald Trump and the politics he represents.”

    Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

    “Donald Trump is no friend of Edinburgh. He is a racist, misogynist with a contempt for human rights and democracy.

    “I hope that the Council will unite around this call by Edinburgh’s Green councillors and send a loud and clear message that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

    Motion By Councillor Alex Staniforth – Edinburgh Does Not Welcome Donald Trump

    “Council:

    1. Notes that Donald Trump attempted to overturn the democratic result of the US election on 6th January 2021.
    2. Notes that since returning to the presidency Trump has used the power of the executive to prosecute crimes to influence Eric Adams, the mayor of New York; sacked federal workers simply for not being cis white men; pardoned those involved in the attempted Jan 6th coup; removed protections for trans people; cut USAID despite not having approval from Congress; held talks over Ukraine with Putin without inviting a representative from Ukraine; raised tariffs on Mexico and Canada and threatened the sovereignty of Canada and Greenland.
    3. Notes that there is every sign that Trump’s administration is an emerging fascist state with his special advisor Elon Musk performing Nazi salutes at his inauguration.
    4. Therefore resolves that Edinburgh Council – its officers and members – will not, in any official capacity, be involved in a Donald Trump or JD Vance visit to Edinburgh and will not use its resources to support such a visit in any way.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”).

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”) for breaches of UK financial sanctions imposed on Russia, linked to its illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

    HSF Moscow was the subsidiary office to the UK registered Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (“HSF London”) until its closure by HSF London on 31 May 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.    

    The monetary penalty relates to six payments made by HSF Moscow with a collective value of £3,932,392.10 to designated persons subject to an asset freeze. The designated persons were JSC, PJSC Sovcombank, and PJSC Sberbank. In committing the breaches, the firm made funds directly available to sanctioned entities. The payments, which took place over a period of seven days as the firm wound down its Russian offices, demonstrated a pattern of failings.   

    As a result of these breaches, OFSI has imposed a penalty of £465,000 on HSF Moscow.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said: 

    Our commitment to robust enforcement of UK financial sanctions is steadfast.   

    A just and lasting peace in Ukraine must be our priority, and UK financial sanctions continue to be essential to disrupting Russia’s war machine and putting Ukraine on the strongest footing possible.

    HSF London, on behalf of HSF Moscow, voluntarily disclosed the breaches to OFSI, and therefore a 50% reduction has been applied to the final penalty amount.   

    This penalty demonstrates OFSI’s firm commitment to pursuing financial sanctions breaches wherever they occur. From the largest institutions to the smallest, everyone has an obligation to comply with the UK’s financial sanctions regime. OFSI is prepared to utilise the full extent of its statutory powers to pursue those who commit serious breaches of financial sanctions.  

    Financial sanctions are essential to the UK’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and place Ukraine on the strongest footing possible. As part of the UK’s commitment to robust enforcement of financial sanctions, OFSI has made transformative improvements in its tools, processes, and intelligence. The results are coming to fruition, with this case and the monetary penalty imposed on Integral Concierge Services Limited (ICSL) in August 2024 marking the first of several in OFSI’s pipeline linked to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The UK will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement, including through public actions, such as monetary penalties, and actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to regulators.

    Notes to editors: 

    • OFSI stressed in its public penalty notice that it was issuing the monetary penalty against HSF Moscow, and that it had found no fault with the actions of the parent company, HSF London.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Dump the bill, not the Skate’: Albanese goes all out for wildlife extinction

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, 20 MARCH 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed the Albanese Government for seeking to weaken Australia’s national nature laws in order to prop up polluting and environmentally harmful industries, and urged the Albanese government to dump a proposed bill scheduled for debate next week. 

    The EPBC Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill is scheduled for debate in the House of Representatives next Tuesday and in the Senate on Wednesday. Media reports indicate the proposed legislation aims to curtail the ability of third parties to request lawful reconsideration of the scope of environmental impacts of major projects.

    “The move has been designed to shield the Tasmanian salmon industry from environmental scrutiny over its impact on the critically endangered Maugean skate but could have far-reaching consequences beyond this,” said Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific

    “With this Bill, the Albanese Government appears to have turned its back on its promise to end species extinctions.

    “Australia has one of the worst rates of wildlife extinction in the world. Animals like the Maugean skate are hurtling towards extinction due to government inaction and free passes for polluting and harmful industries. Even the koala is listed as endangered in Queensland and New South Wales; that’s how severe the problem is.”

    “The Albanese Government promised to end extinctions and protect Australia’s wildlife through law reform. Instead, they are signing the extinction warrant for the Maugean skate.

    “Australia urgently needs strong, new nature laws that will end the extinction crisis and an independent watchdog to enforce them. We urge the Albanese Government to dump the Bill, not the skate, and get on with delivering this. It’s critical that the government give an ironclad guarantee that this will be delivered within the first 12 months of government if reelected this year.”

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Vai Shah at 0452 290 082 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Video: ‘I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as my sons – that’s not unreasonable,’ – Cryst…

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    David Beckham shot to fame in the 1990s playing football for Manchester United and England and boosted the game’s profile in the USA playing for LA Galaxy. Off the pitch he was at the centre of Cool Britiannia-era glamour, marrying Posh Spice pop star-turned-fashion designer Victoria.

    He’s a global brand, and he has used that fame and influence, among other things, as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, where his 7 Fund – named after the number he wore on the pitch – works in schools around the world to combat bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education.

    Beckham, who turns 50 this year, was at the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos to receive a Crystal Award, which the Forum bestows on people in arts and entertainment who have gone beyond the day job to help improve the state of the world.

    At a time when overseas development is under pressure like never before, and with a rise in online misogyny, we spoke to David Beckham about his work with UNICEF and his role as a father.

    Catch up on all the action from the Annual Meeting 2025 at wef.ch/wef25 (http://wef.ch/wef25) and across social media using the hashtag #WEF25.

    Related podcasts:

    What just happened in Davos, and how is the world different now? https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/davos-2025-what-just-happened/ Global Risks Report: the big issues facing the world at Davos 2025 https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/global-risks-report-2025/ The 90-year-old using sports to change the lives of refugees https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/refugees-unhcr-sport-claude-marshall/

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) : 

    YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

    Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

    Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

    Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

    Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8-9D633OY

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Report reveals young people nearly fives time more likely to be put out of work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Report reveals young people nearly fives time more likely to be put out of work

    New Keep Britain Working Review report reveals an increase of 1.2 million young people with work limiting health conditions 

    • Nearly 1 in 4 people out of work due to ill health are under 35 – underlining the need for government’s employment and welfare reforms 
    • Government to consider independent recommendations on partnering with employers to keep young people in work  
    • Follows sweeping package of welfare to reforms to unlock work and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change 

    Young people with mental health conditions are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive compared to others in their age group, according to new analysis published today [Thursday 20 March] by the Keep Britain Working Review.    

    Statistics in the report also show around a quarter of those who are economically inactive due to ill-health are under the age of 35 – illustrating how early barriers are impacting many of those who may be beginning their work journey or developing. 

    The findings are part of the review’s Discovery Phase report, as former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield examines the factors behind spiralling levels of inactivity, and how government and businesses can work together to tackle the issue.  

    The Keep Britain Working Review was announced as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper which set out the biggest employment reforms for a generation to get Britain working and unlock growth as part of the plan for change. It also includes plans for overhauling job centres, empowering mayors and local areas to tackle inactivity, and delivering a Youth Guarantee so all young people are either earning or learning  

    Today’s report sets out the economic inactivity challenges facing the UK and how this compares to other countries. It finds that:  

    • There are 8.7 million people in the UK with a work-limiting health condition, up by 2.5 million (41 per cent) over the last decade, including 1.2 million 16 to 34-year-olds and 900,000 50 to 64-year-olds   

    • These figures show young people (16 to 34-year-olds) with mental health conditions are 4.7 times more likely to be economically inactive than their cohort   

    • Those who are out of work for less than a year are five times more likely to return to work compared to those who are out of work longer  

    The report also highlights the potential economic benefit of better prevention, retention and rapid rehabilitation: it finds that tackling sickness absence and ill-health related economic inactivity through these measures could be worth £150 billion a year to the economy.  

    Chair of the independent review, Sir Charlie Mayfield, said:       

    Our initial report published today confirms the scale of rising economic inactivity and what’s driving it. It underlines the urgency that we tackle this challenge by improving prevention and retention of those in work and by creating better pathways back into work for those who are economically inactive.   

    It’s a problem that can and must be addressed by government and employers together. Even at this initial stage of the review, we have found inspiring examples of employers making a difference that’s literally life changing for some people. We need more of these on a greater scale and, in the next stages of the review, we will be engaging with many organisations to establish how that can be achieved.  

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said:   

    We must do far more to help people stay in work and get back quickly if they fall out. That’s why, as part of the reforms in our Pathways to Work Green Paper and our Plan for Change, we are making a decisive shift towards prevention and early intervention.  

    We want to help more employers to offer opportunities for disabled people, including through measures such as reasonable adjustments, and we are consulting on reforming Access to Work so it is fit for the future.  

    I want to thank Sir Charlie for this report. It shows the potential for what government and employers can do together to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces, so we build on the great work some businesses are already doing. 

    Separate research also suggests that if the UK could reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training by a third, to match Germany’s rate, UK GDP could increase by 1.8% in the long-term (equivalent to £38 billion) – underpinning why health and disability reform to get Britain working is central to unlocking growth and delivering on the Plan for Change.  

    The government has already hit the ground running on prevention to address the mental health challenges young people are facing and ensure they get the treatment they need. This includes investing £26 billion in the NHS, including in mental health services and recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers across child and adult services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment. 

    We have already helped almost 70,000 people with mental health issues back into employment last year as part of the expansion of the Talking Therapies programme, up more than 60% on the year before and we are continuing to expand the programmes so more people can benefit from treatment.  

    The report sets out the main areas for the next stage of engagement – where in the coming months written submissions and face-to-face engagements with businesses and stakeholders will gather evidence to develop recommendations to come in Autumn.  

    The government has also put in place measures to make work pay and more secure, to help keep more people in work and support employers with retention. 

    This includes through the Employment Rights Bill which will strengthen workers’ rights protections, including expanding Statutory Sick Pay to 1.3 million of the lowest earners who previously received nothing, ensuring employees have the right to payments from the first day they are ill – so no one has to choose between their health or staying in work.  

    We are also increasing the National Living Wage from April, benefiting 3 million of the lowest paid full-time workers by up to £2,500 and introducing a Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person is either learning or earning.  

    This Discovery report comes as the Work and Pensions Secretary set out the largest welfare reforms for a generation this week to help those sick and disabled people who can work into jobs – backed by £1 billion investment.  

    This includes consulting on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.  

    These range of measures also include scrapping the controversial Work Capability Assessment that drives people into dependency and introducing the biggest package of new employment support including an early support conversation to stop an inactivity spiral.    

    The new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support, they need as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

    This will end years of inaction, which has led to one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training and 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long term sickness – one of the highest rates in the G7.   

    All this has driven the spiralling benefits bill, forecast to reach £70 billion a year of spending on health and disability benefits for working age people by the end of the decade, or more than £1 billion a week.     

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 March 2025 News release Three cities honoured for public health achievements at 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Today, during the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, three cities were recognized for their achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries: Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Summit, co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, convened mayors and officials from 61 cities in the Partnership for Healthy Cities network to address pressing public health issues and share effective strategies for saving lives and building healthier communities at the local level.

    “Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally, but the good news is, they are preventable,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City. “Cities are leading the way in implementing policies that are protecting public health and saving lives. This year’s winning cities are proving that progress is possible with strong leadership and political will, and we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.”

    The recipients of the 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Awards were chosen because they have made demonstrable progress in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries, setting an example that can be replicated in other jurisdictions.

    All three winning cities are part of the Partnership’s Policy Accelerator, which provides training and support for drafting policies and establishing the political strategies needed to develop and enact them. These cities are working with the Partnership to improve public health in the following ways:

    • Córdoba, Argentina, passed a new policy committing the city to promoting healthy school food environments by eliminating sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and ultra-processed products from all schools by 2026. The program has benefited 26 schools to date, reaching 15 000 of the city’s 138 000 primary school children.
    • Fortaleza, Brazil, established the city’s first legal framework for air quality surveillance. The 2023 decree guarantees the local monitoring of air pollutants to estimate their impact on residents’ health, along with the installation of low-cost sensors to improve data collection. Reliable data will help inform city policies that can significantly reduce air pollution.
    • Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, expanded the number of outdoor smoke-free areas as part of efforts to reduce smoking, including opening its first smoke-free park, covering 6.5 acres of public space. Greater Manchester also conducted a series of community consultations and workshops with residents to help with decision-making; launched a smoke-free toolkit and communication guidance for National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and sites; and is scaling this initiative by developing a broader smoke-free spaces toolkit for other organizations and groups that want to create smoke-free spaces.

    “Cities are at the forefront of the fight against noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The progress made in Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester is not only improving health today but also setting a model for others to follow,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO is committed to working with cities to build healthier, safer and more resilient communities for all.”

    “Local leadership has emerged as a powerful force for addressing the complex challenges presented by noncommunicable diseases and injuries,” said Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet, President and CEO, Vital Strategies. “We applaud the work of city leaders around the globe in their efforts to create healthier, safer environments for their populations. Their efforts are having a significant impact on people’s lives and well-being, while also demonstrating to national governments that there is significant support for these policy solutions.”

    Launched in 2017, the Partnership for Healthy Cities is a global network of 74 cities working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, this initiative empowers cities worldwide to implement high-impact policy or programmatic interventions to reduce noncommunicable diseases and injuries in their communities. Through this network, city leaders are enacting transformative measures to improve the health of 300 million people across the globe.

    The mayors participating in the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit include:

    • Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Bogotá, Colombia
    • Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara, Colombo, Sri Lanka 
    • Intendant Daniel Passerini, Córdoba, Argentina
    • Honorable Administrator Mohammad Azaz, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    • Municipal President Verónica Delgadillo, Guadalajara, Mexico
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    About Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the arts, education, environment, government innovation, and public health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed US$ 3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for ournewsletter, or follow us onInstagram,LinkedIn,YouTube,Threads,Facebook, and X.

    About the World Health Organization
    Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube.

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    Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives. To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contacts

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    Jaimie Guerra, World Health Organization, guerraja@who.int

    Christina Honeysett, Vital Strategies, choneysett@vitalstrategies.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Adelaide Festival gives a hopeful vision for the future of Australian contemporary dance

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Brannigan, Associate Professor Theatre and Performance, UNSW Sydney

    Mass Movement. Morgan Sette/Adelaide Festival

    I arrived at Stephanie Lake’s premiere of Mass Movement a little late on my first day at Adelaide Festival.

    Walking down the hill from King William road towards Elder Park, the Torrens River was lit up in oranges and golds by the setting sun. A river of people came into view, winding from a thin spread on the hillside nearest me to a thick block of settled-in picnicers, back up the opposite hill to the bank of institutional buildings along the river.

    In the centre of this river, a stage crowded with performers in black and white waved and flowed: movements that passed along individuals juxtaposed with sharper unison actions, vocalisations and free-for-alls.

    I missed the solo performance that opened this outdoor performance, and the procession of dancers winding down onto the stage. But what I saw left an impression of an excellent community activation with many performers of all ages and training backgrounds, and an audience of family, friends and strangers here to see this part-human part-natural spectacle.

    Mass Movement featured 1,000 dancers, the most Stephanie Lake has ever worked with.
    Morgan Sette/Adelaide Festival

    This work sits within Lake’s body of spectacle-scale works that have become a signature for this important new-generation Australian choreographer. With 1,000 performers, the most she has ever worked with, whether bigger is better may be neither here nor there when the emphasis is on spectacle and community.

    One Single Action in an Ocean of Everything

    Established Melbourne-based choreographer Lucy Guerin’s mastery of the duet, her use of unison and tight spatial delineations, gestural detail and intensely demanding timing are all there in her most recent work, One Single Action in an Ocean of Everything.

    Dancers and choreographic collaborators Amber McCartney and Geoffrey Watson are up to the task and perfectly matched. McCartney is compact, precise but playful. Watson is more measured yet somehow looser and more sensual.

    The first half of the piece works intricate movements along a diagonal across the stage to downstage right, where a moon-like sphere hangs at head height.

    Lucy Guerin plays with themes of destruction, orthodoxy, disobedience, care and empathy.
    Gregory Lorenzutti/Adelaide Festival

    The dancers’ trajectory, and often their gaze, are locked on this object. In the upper corner on the floor are mallets. Taken up by the dancers, they become part of a percussive choreography. The spectacle of the dancers making their mark on time within the complex choreography locks us all into a ride that we anticipate will end with a smashed sphere.

    Guerin’s experience is evident in how she shapes a work. The opening sections with their tightrope-like structure are physically, temporally and spatially smashed as the material from the sphere flies across the stage.

    A broom is introduced by Watson. This precipitates a new relationship between the two dancers. Experiential chaos versus spatial order replaces the teamwork of the first half, as the two become constantly at odds with each other.

    Themes of destruction, orthodoxy, disobedience, care and empathy are not hard to draw out of this microcosm. The sound, by CS + Kreme, does great support work with its mechanical complexities, pounding meter and a high synthetic sound like a tap running in the next hotel room. The lighting design by Paul Lim is also a star.

    A Quiet Language

    A Quiet Language asks a tall order of Daniel Riley and co-director Brianna Kell: to create a performance work that spoke to the 60th anniversary of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT).

    Riley, a Wiradjuri man from Western New South Wales, took on the directorship of ADT in 2022 following Garry Stewart’s 20-year plus tenure, with Kell as artistic associate. The introduction of Indigenous leadership for the company is welcome. There is a history of cultural appropriation across many Australian dance artists, from Beth Dean and Rex Reid in the 1950s, to the complex case of Jiri Kylian’s Stamping Ground (1983) later performed by Bangarra Dance Theatre in 2019.

    It is well overdue that the rich and deep choreographic practices of our First Nations people are now being represented by leadership in a major dance company outside Bangarra.

    In A Quiet Language, the names of artists associated with the company flicker as the years scroll past on the horizontal screens at either end of the space. But the real homage might be in the tone and style of this work.

    Tie-dyed costumes by Ailsa Paterson, featuring an occasional headband, speak to the genesis of the company under the direction of Elizabeth Cameron Dalman across 1965–75.

    A Quiet Language is a homage to the choreographic history of ADT.
    Morgan Sette/ADT

    Dalman is credited as collaborator, and the company spent four weeks of development with this extraordinary artist now in her 90s.

    A Quiet Language begins with two female dancers, Yilin Kong and Zoe Wozniak, walking from one bank of audience to the other, directing their bold and curious gaze at us. They are accompanied by composer and musician Adam Page who remains on stage throughout.

    Sebastian Geilings, Zachary Lopez and Patrick O’Luanaigh join them with more playful provocations for the audience, making the school group in the bank opposite me squirm.

    We have met the dancers first as individuals, and the full cavalcade of ADT’s historical casts rests, virtually, behind the five young artists.

    This breaking of the fourth wall speaks to the radical new approach that Dalman’s work represented in the 1960s when contemporary approaches to dance were still emerging locally.

    The dancers move into group work that dominates the many phases of the piece, memorably a stormy section representing protest in theatre dance around the world in the 1960s.

    This is followed by a dark solo by Wozniak that heaves itself off the floor in tense, cramping movements, resonating with the suffering behind current international headlines.

    The dancers are credited with choreographic collaboration and it shows in their commitment to, and comfort within, the movement. This is delivered at an intense and unrelenting pitch throughout, recalling Stewart’s signature high-impact work. But the way the choreography is drawn to the floor – through tenacious connection or a giving-in that slides joyfully across its surface – feels fresh.

    The Walking Track

    I end my time in Adelaide with Karul Projects’ The Walking Track, presented by Vitalstatistix in Port Adelaide, where six performance pieces were commissioned by local First Nations dance and performance artists.

    These are dispersed on site along a walk hosted by Karul Projects’ artistic director, Thomas E.S. Kelly, a Minjungbal, Wiradjuri and Ni-Vanuatu man.

    Kelly established Karul Projects alongside Taree Sansbury, a local Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri woman, in 2017 in Queensland, making this a rare First Nations dance company existing outside Bangarra Dance Theatre.

    The Walking Track shows the future of Australian contemporary dance is bright.
    Heath Britton/Vitalstatistix

    The all-female cast of artists – Adrianne Semmens, Alexis West, Caleena Sansbury, Janelle Egan, Kirsty Williams, Lilla Berry, Mel Koolmatrie and Pearl Berry – offered works-in-development that told stories of family, loss, displacement and environmental destruction.

    Their careful framing by Kelly on Country gave assurance that the future of Australian contemporary dance is bright.

    Walking with the small audience around Port Adelaide, I kept an eye out for the dolphins Kelly informed us were just below the surface and imagined the local Kaurna people who had gathered on the banks there before being moved on. I could feel a slowly turning tide that will, no doubt, inspire fresh creative and critical gains for Australian contemporary dance.

    Erin Brannigan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Adelaide Festival gives a hopeful vision for the future of Australian contemporary dance – https://theconversation.com/adelaide-festival-gives-a-hopeful-vision-for-the-future-of-australian-contemporary-dance-252300

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Grants now open to support NAIDOC celebrations across New South Wales

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Grants now open to support NAIDOC celebrations across New South Wales

    Published: 20 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty


    Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are encouraged to apply for grants to support local NAIDOC events and activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

    The Minns Labor Government is providing $300,000 to support community-driven celebrations that align with this year’s NAIDOC theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Grants awarded will range between $500 and $5,000.

    The NAIDOC Grants Program supports communities to come together, share stories, and showcase culture, while strengthening connections to Country and community.

    Events funded under the program must take place between 1 July and 30 November 2025.

    Last year, the NSW Government supported more than 120 community-led events through its NAIDOC Grant program. These events included public exhibitions, cultural workshops, NAIDOC-themed sporting activities, and community festivals that bring people together to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and achievements.

    Applications for the 2025 NAIDOC grants close on 21 April. For more information and to apply go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/2025-naidoc-grants

    Aboriginal Affairs NSW is hosting an online NAIDOC Grants Community Information Session on Thursday 27 March from 10:30-11:30am. Details and registration can be found at https://www.eventbaba.com.au/events/2025-NAIDOC-Grants-Community-Information-Session. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “These grants are one of the ways that NSW Government supports local communities to lead celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

    “NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for us all – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people – to connect with community, take part in celebrations and learn from the world’s oldest, continuous living cultures.

    “If you’ve got an idea for a NAIDOC event but need funding, I encourage you to apply.

    “By supporting events like these we are continuing to close the gap in NSW by giving opportunities for each of us to learn about and connect with the richness and vibrancy of Aboriginal cultures and proudly celebrate those cultures together.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Innovative collaboration for women’s health screening

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Innovative collaboration for women’s health screening

    Published: 20 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for the North Coast, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Women


    In a first for the NSW North Coast, women will be able to have both their breast and cervical screenings done in a single visit, thanks to a Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and BreastScreen NSW partnership.

    The Cervical Screening Collaborative is an initiative of MNCLHD’s Women’s Health team, ensuring women have access to timely, effective screening with nursing support throughout the process.

    Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with more than 70 per cent of cases occurring in people who have never been screened or are overdue for their cervical screening.

    A Cervical Screening Test every five years is recommended for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active. A quick and simple procedure, the test looks for a common infection called human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes almost all cervical cancers.

    Under the pilot project, women will be offered a cervical screening appointment at the time of booking their routine breast screening with BreastScreen NSW, allowing them to opt in to the cervical screening.

    The first monthly clinic was held in Port Macquarie with the aim to offer the dual screening service at Coffs Harbour, Lismore, and Tweed Heads in the future.

    For women aged 50-74, a breast screening every two years is still the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal women are recommended to start screening at 40 years of age. 

    Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay. 

    For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online on the BreastScreen NSW website.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “Breast and cervical screening can save lives, and I urge all eligible people to get screened when they’re due.

    “This pilot provides a seamless experience where women can choose to attend both breast and cervical screening services at the same time.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

    “Many women have busy lives and often put off important health checks.

    “I encourage all eligible women to make the most of this innovative service and book in for the screenings that could save their life.

    “The integration of these services means they can get both of these important checks done at the same time. It’ll help increase cervical screening rates on the Mid North Coast, ensuring early detection and better health outcomes for women.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

    “Offering a combination of screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer is a progressive win for women’s health in Lismore, Tweed Heads and Coffs Harbour.

    “Every woman knows these health checks can be a bit uncomfortable, but they are absolutely necessary.

    “Being able to opt in for this dual screening service is convenient and increases the chances of early detection, potentially saving more women’s lives.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy MLC:

    “This integrated service will be seamless and life saving. We know that early detection of cancer is crucial and hopefully this new combined service prompts every eligible person to use it.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal MLC:

    “Early detection and prevention are key to delivering effective, timely care that can save lives and provide overall better health outcomes for women.

    “This initiative will provide efficient and easy access to regular screening for women in the Mid-North Coast, helping them to manage their health on top of their busy lives.

    “This is just one part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes for people in rural and regional New South Wales.”

    Quotes attributable to Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW:

    “As a working mother I know how busy life gets so it’s fantastic that we can provide a service that makes it easier for women to prioritise their health and get their cervical and breast screening in one location.

    “The self-collection option to the Cervical Screening Test is now giving people a choice on how to do the test, helping break down barriers and encouraging people to take advantage of life-saving screening.”

    Quotes attributable to MNCLHD Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Renee Bell:

    “We know that time is precious and providing women with the opportunity to fulfil two commitments to their health at one location is both convenient and beneficial.

    “Our Women’s Health team is excited to be able to offer this timely screening process to the women of the Mid North Coast.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Tech Secretary to bang the drum for closer AI partnership with the US

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    UK Tech Secretary to bang the drum for closer AI partnership with the US

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle will set out Britain’s credentials as the global hub for AI investment on a visit to the United States this week (18th-25th March).

    Strengthening UK-US ties to boost AI investment.

    UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle will set out Britain’s credentials as the global hub for AI investment during his visit to the United States this week (18 to 25 March), highlighting how both countries can evolve their special relationship in the age of AI as the UK government puts the technology at the heart of its Plan for Change.  

    Speaking at Nvidia’s annual conference in San Jose (20th March), Peter Kyle will outline how the government is “rewiring” Britain’s economy to run on AI, paving the way for communities across the country to seize on the transformative opportunities presented by the technology and moving wealth creation away from just Silicon Valley and London.  

    Addressing business leaders, developers and innovators, the Technology Secretary will lay out his vision for how AI and advanced technologies are being put to work to help solve some of our most complex shared challenges, as Britain becomes a by-word for innovation.

    The technology is already being harnessed in the UK to improve public services and spark fresh economic growth – a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change. Peter Kyle will now outline how the UK’s AI sector – valued at over $92 billion and projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2035 – will position Britain as the second leading AI nation in the democratic world, with a wealth of investment opportunities now being opened to US companies and financial backers alike. 

    Central to his message will be Britain’s readiness for AI investment, with a particular focus on how ‘the relics of economic eras past will be transformed into the UK’s innovative AI Growth Zones’.

    A key component of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, these are strategically designated areas designed to rapidly attract large-scale AI investment through streamlined regulations and dedicated infrastructure.

    These hotbeds of AI development represent a pipeline of new opportunities for companies to scale up and innovate, with the Technology Secretary to call for investors to step forward and participate in a new kind of partnership.  

    Speaking at Nvidia’s annual conference, the Technology Secretary is expected to set out how these Growth Zones, with access to large power connections, and a planning system designed to cut the time it takes to start up construction, will help to build a compute infrastructure which the UK ‘has never seen before’. 

    The government has already received hundreds of proposals from local leaders nationwide and industry, underscoring Britain’s readiness to leverage artificial intelligence to rejuvenate communities and drive economic growth across the country. 

    This will drive higher living standards across the UK – a primary focus for the government over the next four years – with AI Growth Zones poised to deliver the jobs, investment, and the thriving business environment which will put more money in people’s pockets and realise its Plan for Change.

    At the Nvidia conference, the Technology Secretary is expected to say: 

    In empty factories and abandoned mines, in derelict sites and unused power supplies, I see the places where we can begin to build a new economic model. 

    A model completely rewired around the immense power of artificial intelligence. 

    Where, faced with that power, the state is neither a blocker nor a shirker – but an agile, proactive partner. 

    In Britain, we want to turn the relics of economic eras past into AI Growth Zones.

    As part of the visit, Peter Kyle will also meet with key companies in the US tech sector including Open AI, Anthropic, Nvidia, and Vantage – banging the drum for more companies to set up shop in the UK as their Silicon Valley home from home. 

    Additionally, the Technology Secretary is expected to say: 

    There is a real hunger for investment in Britain, and people who are optimistic about the future, and hopeful for the opportunities which AI will bring for them and their families.

    States owe it to their citizens to support it. Not through diktat or directive, but through partnership.

    The Prime Minister and the President of the United States have placed AI at the heart of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Visiting the White House last month, the Prime Minister confirmed both nations are setting to work on a new economic deal which will put advanced technologies at its heart.  

    Since laying out its new vision for AI at the start of the year and giving the technology a frontline role in delivering the government’s Plan for Change, the UK has already seen a wealth of backing from American investors who are looking to set up a home from home on British shores.  

    Major recent investments include a £12 billion commitment from Vantage Data Centers to significantly expand Britain’s data infrastructure, creating approximately 11,500 jobs. Last month, the UK Government also formalised a partnership with Anthropic to enhance collaboration on leveraging AI to improve public services nationwide. 

    By deepening these partnerships with leading US tech firms and investors, the UK’s AI sector is poised for sustained growth as it continues removing barriers to innovation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    • Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service
    • Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
    • Prime Minister announces His Majesty The King will confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security
    • New £28 million funding package for T-Levels set to benefit Furness College in Barrow to support submarine builders of the future.

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    It comes as he announces the King has agreed to confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.

    The visit follows the Prime Minister secretly joining submariners returning home to loved ones a few days ago, hearing firsthand the ‘hot’ debrief of their long operational tour keeping the UK and NATO Allies safe.

    The Prime Minister boarded the boat as it returned to UK waters, known as ‘a Day Zero’, to thank submariners for their months of silent service deep under water. He is the first Prime Minister to join a Day Zero since 2013.

    The Prime Minister also met families waiting for their relatives to return from sea, many of which had experienced significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children.

    Since 1969, the nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of UK security and continuously delivered by the Royal Navy – with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the seas undetected at all times. 

    The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960. Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to NATO.

    And this afternoon, the Prime Minister will lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, knowns as the Dreadnought class. 

    Dreadnought will deliver the next generation of our nuclear deterrent, to protect our people and allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for decades to come.

    It is also expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across the country, from the heart of BAE Systems in Barrow, to small and medium enterprises up and down the country. 

    Barrow will also play a vital role in delivering the AUKUS programme – a joint endeavour between Australia, the United States and the UK – with the first SSN-AUKUS attack submarines being built at the BAE Systems site.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced that this government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.

    That will equate to an extra £13.4 billion on defence, allowing this government to go further than ever to make sure the benefit of that investment is felt in British people’s pockets. 

    The Barrow submarine workforce alone has grown by more than 1000 people in the past six months, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20% above the national average wage.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    When I say that our Plan for Change is delivering security for working people and renewal for our country, there is no better blueprint than Barrow.

    Defence spending here is supporting highly skilled jobs, driving opportunities for young people and delivering world class capabilities to keep us all safe, but it’s also crucially putting money in the pockets of hardworking people.

    This week, I saw firsthand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow.

    Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation’s defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme, or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses.

    The Prime Minister will also announce that His Majesty the King has agreed to confer the title ‘Royal’ to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s undue role in guaranteeing the nation’s security.

    The title is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come. His Majesty hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s proud heritage and prosperous future. 

    As part of recognising that contribution, and ensuring the community is able to continue delivering the nuclear deterrent for generations to come, new funding to support the wider community will be announced by the Prime Minister.

    That will include a new £28 million funding package for T-Levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow.

    The funding will help to equip and inspire students to be the next generation of submarine builders, with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and leading to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education both in the defence sector and beyond.

    This is on top of the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200 million government package to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for the people of Barrow.

    As part of that fund, a £5 million pot to invest in schools to boost aspiration and support the needs of the young people of Barrow will also be opened.

    The funding priorities will be co-designed with representative leaders from across Barrow’s schools, ensuring the money is spent by the people who know best about how to improve the future of young people in the town.

    The fund also delivers on the government’s commitment to ensure those on the frontline of public services are empowered in decision making.

    A further £5 million will be provided for grants to community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their local area.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    Today’s keel laying is a demonstration of our government delivering for defence and fulfilling our first duty: to keep the British people safe.

    Our triple lock pledge for Britain’s nuclear deterrent will see all four Dreadnought-class submarines built in Royal Barrow – a generational commitment that is transforming this town. This is one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in this country, representing the very best of British engineering.

    Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakeable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies. And this national endeavour is also an engine for jobs and growth in Barrow and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councils backed with over £500m to restore family services

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Councils backed with over £500m to restore family services

    Funding for preventive services doubled to over half a billion pounds to drive restoration in family and parenting support across every English council.

    More vulnerable children will be prevented from falling through the cracks as the government restores vital family support services, delivering on its plan for change to give every child the best start in life. 

    New guidance sets a clear expectation on all councils and their partners to reform family support services to enable earlier intervention and better protect children from harm.  

    Key reforms include introducing a single ‘front door’ to support services in every local area. This will make it clear to families struggling with complex needs such as mental health issues, disabilities and substance misuse, where and how they can access help. 

    This could mean embracing digital services or bringing different teams and services into an existing setting, such as a family hub. Bringing help from health visitors, housing support teams and mental health specialists into one place, will make it clear to parents where to access help and improve join up with existing universal support. 

    Thousands more family help leads will be matched with families to coordinate support and resources, taking responsibility for getting them the support they need to stop issues escalating. This will importantly end the frustrating experience of vulnerable families being passed from team to team, forced to tell their story time and time again.  

    These radical reforms are all backed by over half a billion pounds for councils in 2025/2026 – double their allocation in previous years – rebuilding the vital support infrastructure needed to reduce the number of children going into care.  These changes are urgently needed, with eight in ten parents unable to access the services they need in their child’s early years.  

    The measures build on the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to better support vulnerable children. Representing the single biggest piece of child protection legislation in a generation, the bill paves the way for a unique child identifier, like an NHS number, a register of children not in school, and a requirement for every council to have multi-agency child safeguarding teams.

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby said: 

    For too long, vulnerable children and families have been left to struggle – battling fragmented services and receiving support when it’s too late.  

    Backed by over £500m and delivering our Plan for Change, we’re putting an end to this injustice and building back crumbling family support services, to keep children safe and enable more families to achieve and thrive together. 

    Whether seeking help with supporting a child’s development or for substance misuse, families can feel assured that they will get the right help at the right stage, as this government delivers the real change that matters to families.

    The government inherited a broken system, with children and families facing poor outcomes and barriers to opportunity. 

    While spending on services for families at crisis point – which local authorities have a legal duty to provide – has skyrocketed by £4 billion since 2013, investment in early preventative support which isn’t statutory has plummeted by £900m. 

    At the same time, those known to children’s services are seven times more likely to face permanent exclusion from school and care-experienced young people making up around a quarter of the adult prison population. 

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, visited a children’s centre in Redbridge to hear about the implementation of reforms so far.

    One parent said:

    I want to be the best father I can be for my children, but I was struggling to parent and build meaningful bonds.

    I self-referred myself after finding out about the services online. The team facilitated a plan for me, which included attending a parenting programme to learn more parenting skills and understand how I can improve my relationship with my children. So far, it’s taught me a lot and had a really positive impact on my family.

    Reflecting on their experience, another local parent said:

    After being referred by our school, my family was matched with a coordinator to support challenges with my children’s disabilities. I was facing a lot of red tape and struggling to navigate the system. After providing us with a whole-family plan, my coordinator has made this much smoother and really helped to bridge our relationship with the school. They’ve also made sure I have access to support for lots of other challenges, including mentoring and housing.

    I was hitting lots of walls trying to get help, but the service has really transformed by experience – I wish I’d known about this sooner so I could have referred myself.

    These reforms will driver greater collaboration between agencies, bringing together professionals with different expertise and backgrounds to ensure children don’t fall through the cracks.  

    From the point parents are expecting a baby, support services such as parenting skills, domestic abuse counselling and financial advice will be wrapped around the family, with the needs of the whole family considered throughout their journey.  

    Chief Executive Officer at the National Children’s Bureau, Anna Feuchtwang, said:

    The Families First Partnership Programme has enormous potential to provide earlier support and better address the needs of children within their family networks.

    With further investment in preventative services, shared workforce development and stability, these reforms present a huge opportunity to reorient child and family services towards enabling and supporting wellbeing.

    It is critical that roll out is informed by the ongoing evidence from the FFC pathfinders and that all children, including those with disabilities, are able to benefit.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New pilot program to strengthen regional manufacturing

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales


    The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry with the launch of an $800,000 pilot program aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness.

    The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program will provide small-to-medium-sized manufacturers across regional NSW with funding to undertake audits by professional consultants that will identify ways to re-organise their manufacturing operations.

    Lean manufacturing is an internationally recognised business management process that revolves around the principles of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and a customer-centric approach.

    It focuses on creating products more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps, saving time and using fewer materials in the production process. This approach helps businesses produce goods with fewer resources, without compromising on quality.

    More efficient processes mean production lines manufacture fewer products with defects, which in turn reduces operating costs related to providing returns and waste disposal.

    For example, a regional food manufacturer might reorganise production lines to improve efficiency, implement preventative maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and implement just-in-time inventory management to reduce excess stock and waste.

    The audits, undertaken as part of the program, will offer tailored recommendations to help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce waste and increase productivity, while also highlighting training opportunities for staff.

    Several major companies have successfully implemented lean manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity over the past decades including Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, General Electric and Nike.

    Many regional NSW companies such as the Bega Group in Bega, Donaldson Australia on the Central Coast, Belmore Engineering at Tamworth, Flavourtech in Griffith and Tyree Transformers at Braemar have also successfully used lean manufacturing principles.

    Manufacturing is a key driver of the NSW economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output.

    In regional NSW, the sector generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 workers, reinforcing the need for continued support to strengthen and future-proof the industry.

    Industry research by Binder Dijker Otte (BDO) suggests that adopting lean manufacturing can boost small-to-medium-sized businesses’ profit margins by up to three times, depending on their size and turnover.

    The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development designed the pilot program following in-depth industry consultation, which highlighted the need for more support in adopting lean manufacturing principles to ensure regional manufacturers remain globally competitive.

    The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting manufacturing industries across the state as they navigate rising costs and market challenges.

    Expressions of interest for the audits are now open to eligible manufacturers and will close at 4pm on Monday 31 March 2025, with funding allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For more information about the program, including guidelines and Expression of Interest details, go to www.nsw.gov.au/LMPP or email economic.programs@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

    Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty, said:

    “The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is an important part of our ongoing support for regional manufacturers across the state, helping them overcome the challenges posed by rising supply chain, energy and labour costs.

    “This program is an important step towards ensuring the long-term success of our regional manufacturers.

    “We know that by supporting regional businesses to improve their operations, we’re strengthening the entire economy of regional NSW, creating more local jobs and enhancing the long-term sustainability of our regions.”

    Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

    “NSW manufacturing fell in nine out of 12 years under the previous Liberal-National Government, and the Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program is a prime example of how the Minns Labor Government is working to rebuild local manufacturing right across the state.

    “Support for local manufacturing is also an integral part of the Minns Labor Government’s recently released Industry Policy.

    “Central to the Industry Policy are three new local manufacturing targets, which demonstrate a real commitment to supporting local manufacturing to promote a dynamic, sustainable, and diversified economy.”

    HunterNet Chief Executive Officer Ivan Waterfield said:

    “Lean manufacturing plays a crucial role in the future of the NSW manufacturing sector. By focusing on eliminating waste and improving efficiency, it helps manufacturers reduce costs and enhance productivity.

    “In a time of scarce resources, a strong Lean culture helps manufacturing companies improve their efficiency and their P&L.

    “The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program by the NSW Government is a significant step towards supporting regional manufacturers in becoming more competitive on a global scale and is something that HunterNet fully supports and endorses.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $800,000 to make shooting in NSW safer

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $800,000 to make shooting in NSW safer

    Published: 20 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Sport


    Shooting organisations across NSW have shared in almost $800,000 in funding after grants were awarded under the NSW Government’s Safe Shooting Program.

    The Safe Shooting Program supports shooting clubs, shooting ranges and shooting organisations to improve storage, security and safety, as well as purchase new equipment such as electronic targets.

    The Program invests in projects which incorporate inclusive design, improve safety, environmental sustainability and increase use of existing shooting facilities in NSW.

    Another key objective of the Program is to increase participation in shooting by removing barriers for women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.

    Grants of $10,000 – $50,000 were awarded to 25 projects that aim to improve the safety and quality of shooting facilities in NSW.

    Some of the projects to receive funding include:

    • $49,287 to Gilgandra Rifle Club for safety repairs and upgrades to prevent projectiles injuring people or damaging property after they pass through targets
    • $49,575 to Bermagui Field and Game Sporting Clays for new clay target traps
    • $37,243 to Cootamundra Rifle Club for a new solar power system for the clubhouse, shed, and toilet block.

    For further information including the list of grant recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program

    Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

    “The Safe Shooting Program supports shooting clubs to provide safe, inclusive and accessible facilities.

    “Projects announced today will increase the use of shooting facilities across NSW and encourage participation by people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

    “This funding will play a significant role in supporting the next generation of Olympians and ensure Australia’s success at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New NSW Privacy Commissioner appointed

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: New NSW Privacy Commissioner appointed

    Published: 20 March 2025

    Released by: Attorney General, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government


    Ms Sonia Minutillo has been appointed as the new NSW Privacy Commissioner to deliver an independent voice on the administration of privacy legislation.

    Ms Minutillo’s appointment allows her to continue promoting, protecting, and enhancing the privacy rights of the people of NSW.

    The NSW Privacy Commissioner investigates and conciliates complaints about breaches of privacy, advises government agencies, businesses, and other organisations on how to ensure the right to privacy is protected.

    The Commissioner also oversees NSW Government agency reviews of reported breaches with a view to developments in policy, law, and technology that may impact privacy.

    Ms Minutillo will continue to provide oversight of and advice to NSW public sector agencies on compliance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2022 and in protecting the personal information of individuals.

    Ms Minutillo was formerly the Director of Investigation and Reporting at the Information and Privacy Commission, leading its regulatory functions including the conduct of reviews, complaints, investigations, and proactive compliance program.

    She has been acting NSW Privacy Commissioner since August 2023.

    Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW here.

    Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

    “The Privacy Commissioner plays an important role in ensuring accountability in NSW Government by ensuring the public sector handles personal information responsibly and take steps to prevent and manage any data breaches.

    “Ms Minutillo has demonstrated her expertise in this area while acting as Privacy Commissioner over the past 18 months, drawing on her experience leading programs in the fields of industrial relations and employment rights and obligations under NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

    “I congratulate Ms Minutillo on her appointment and look forward to working with her to uphold the privacy of every NSW resident.”

    Attorney General Michael Daley said:

    “As the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Ms Minutillo will drive integrity and strong accountability in the public sector to underpin robust governance at every level.

    “I welcome Ms Minutillo to this significant role. Her extensive experience and qualifications make her well-placed to continue the important work of promoting and protecting the privacy rights of the NSW community.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to platform trial looking at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s related dementia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A platform trial published in The Lancet Neurology looks at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs that could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Prof Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, UCL, said:

    “The press release claims that gantenerumab treatment can delay or prevent the appearance of dementia, but this is not supported by the data and could give false hope to patients and their families about what treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are able to do.

    “Anyone who understands how to look at the results of a clinical trial will recognise that this paper reports the failure of gantenerumab to show treatment efficacy on any prespecified clinical outcomes in randomised controlled comparisons between drug and placebo. And, sadly, because of this and other negative trials, development of gantenerumab has been abandoned.

    “However, the authors carried out many further analyses from a small number of participants who chose to continue treatment in an open-label extension to the randomised controlled trial. Because this was an open-label extension, there was no randomly allocated placebo group to compare the effects of treatment to. Instead, the results from an “extended control” group were used for comparison and a large number of differently defined treatment groups were run through the analyses, increasing the risk that any apparent differences with treatment would be due to chance. For these reasons, no responsible clinical trialist should claim on the basis of these data to have shown a 50% lowering of the risk of developing dementia symptoms. If you look at the wording of the Summary of the published paper, you will see that such a claim does not appear, as presumably the scientific peer reviewers and editorial staff would not have permitted such a misleading overstatement to be published in the Journal.

    “I hope that journalists will question why the conclusions of the peer reviewed article are so different from the headline content of the press release and won’t disseminate what is unhelpful misinformation about the potential of a drug to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

     

    Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation, Alzheimer’s Society, said:

    “As with all antiamyloid trials, this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society, shedding light on the role of amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease.  

    “These exciting early-stage results hint that long-term antiamyloid treatments, started before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms appear, could potentially delay symptom onset. 

    “However, these results need to be treated with caution; this trial focuses on a very small group of individuals with genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease. Longer-term follow up of this group and larger studies will tell us more about the effect of these drugs in these types of Alzheimer’s. 

    “Ultimately, the field hopes to see similar progress in preventative trials of antiamyloid treatments in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, which affects the majority of people with dementia. 

    “This is a hugely exciting time in dementia research and there is hope on the horizon for all affected by this condition – research will beat dementia.”  

     

    Prof Charles Marshall, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Queen Mary University of London, said:

    “This study focusses on a rare group of people with genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s disease that runs in famiilies. These people are of particular interest because we know for certain that they will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and can estimate when they are likely to develop it, making them an ideal group to evaluate preventive treatments.

    “It seems from these results that if treated for long enough with a drug that reduces amyloid beta protein in the brain we can delay the development of symptoms in those who will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and this is very exciting. There are two major limitations of the study. The first is that it was a secondary evaluation of a relatively small number of people who were treated for a long time, and therefore the results are not as certain as they would have been if they were the main trial result. The other limitation is that gantenerumab is not nearly as effective as some of the other amyloid reducing treatments that are now available, suggesting that we may be able to do even better than these results suggest.

    “I look forward to seeing more results from the other treatments that are now being given in this trial. It is giving tremendous hope to the families that have these rare genetic mutations, and these results suggest that in years to come we may have preventive treatments to offer them.”

     

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “This study by Bateman and colleagues shows promising preliminary results of an experimental treatment in people with rare inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease.  People who inherited a gene that causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease received the drug gantenerumab to remove sticky amyloid pathology before they developed symptoms.  Scientists observed that the 22 people who took the drug for the longest (an average of 8 years)  had delayed progression of cognitive symptoms.  While this study is important scientifically as evidence that amyloid-lowering drugs may potentially be able to delay symptom onset,  there are several important limitations to consider.  As the authors acknowledge, the delay in symptom onset with treatment was only found in people who were treated for an average of 8 years, probably because amyloid pathology accumulates in the brain for at least 10 years before symptom onset.  This study also did not include a control group receiving placebo alongside the drug which is a very important control.  Further, the drug used in this study, gantenerumab, has been discontinued by the company that developed it because it did not slow symptoms of the more common non-genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease in a trial with over 1,900 participants.  While this study does not conclusively prove that Alzheimer’s disease onset can be delayed and uses a drug that will not likely be available, the results are scientifically promising.”

    Safety and efficacy of long-term gantenerumab treatment in dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease: an open label extension of the phase 2/3 multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled platform DIAN-TU Trial’ by Bateman et al. was published in Lancet Neurology at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 19th March. 

    Declared interests:

    Prof Robert Howard “No COIs”

    Dr Richard Oakley “this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society” as this is factually accurate.”

    Prof Charles Marshall “I have no relevant conflicts”

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones  “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACHESON, Alberta, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG”) (TSX:NOA/NYSE:NOA) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. Unless otherwise indicated, figures are expressed in Canadian dollars with comparisons to prior periods ended December 31, 2023.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Combined revenue of $372.7 million, compared to $405.4 million in the same period last year. Reported revenue of $305.6 million, compared to $328.3 million in the same period last year, was generated by our wholly owned subsidiaries as incremental scopes and strong equipment utilization of 82% in Australia were more than offset by lower demand for our Canadian heavy equipment fleet when comparing to 2023 Q4.
    • Our net share of revenue from equity consolidated joint ventures was $67.1 million in 2024 Q4 and compared to $77.1 million in the same period last year as the consistency in the Fargo and MNALP joint ventures were offset by lower scopes being completed within the Nuna Group of Companies.
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $103.7 million and margin of 27.8% compared favorably to the prior period operating metrics of $101.1 million and 24.9%, respectively, as operational excellence in both Australia and Canada drove margin improvements.
    • Combined gross profit for the quarter was $54.3 million and a margin of 14.6%. When adjusting for $10.1 million of integration costs incurred and $8.9 million of claims extinguished to secure long-term contracts, the resulting 19.7% reflects operational performance and compares favorably to 18.3% posted in the same period last year.
    • Cash flows generated from operating activities of $97.0 million were lower than the $168.6 million generated in the prior period as higher cash generation from the strong EBITDA was offset by the temporary impact of changes to working capital in the quarter.
    • Free cash flow generated in the quarter was $50.5 million as operational earnings were offset by routine capital maintenance and cash interest expenses with working capital and capital work in process balances generating positive cash in the quarter.
    • Net debt was $856.2 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $26.3 million from September 30, 2024, as free cash flow generation and the impact of a stronger CAD/AUD exchange rate were offset by growth spending, the NCIB program, and the dividend payment .
    • Additional highlights include: i) in November, we were awarded a $125 million heavy civil construction project primarily to construct diversion channels; ii) in December, we announced an extended and amended regional services contract, valued at $500 million, with a major producer in the oil sands region; iii) also in December, we were awarded a $100 million early works contract by a copper producer in the Australian state of New South Wales; iv) by the end of the year, we surpassed the 60% completion mark at the Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project; and v) completed go-live activities for the ERP system in Australia during the quarter.

    Joe Lambert, President and CEO, stated, “Once again, I would like to thank our operations team for their safe and efficient performance this quarter. The recent contract awards in Australia and Canada speak for themselves but are a testament to the quality and reputation of our operating teams. We’re off to a fast and robust start this year, and we couldn’t be more excited about completing the work our customers have awarded us. We see opportunities and tailwinds in the heavy civil infrastructure and mining industries in Australia and North America and are diligently advancing efforts to win scopes based on the reputation we have in the respective regions.”

    Consolidated Financial Highlights
        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenue   $ 305,590     $ 328,282     $ 1,165,787     $ 964,680  
    Cost of sales     218,834       220,672       789,056       678,528  
    Depreciation     44,765       41,990       166,683       131,319  
    Gross profit   $ 41,991     $ 65,620     $ 210,048     $ 154,833  
    Gross profit margin     13.7 %     20.0 %     18.0 %     16.1 %
    General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)(i)     13,696       18,702       47,245       41,016  
    Stock-based compensation expense     5,625       (496 )     8,706       15,828  
    Operating income     22,544       45,944       153,330       96,330  
    Interest expense, net     14,401       14,007       59,340       36,948  
    Net income     4,808       17,646       44,085       63,141  
                     
    Adjusted EBITDA(i)     103,714       101,136       390,258       296,963  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin(i)(ii)     27.8 %     24.9 %     27.6 %     23.2 %
                     
    Per share information                
    Basic net income per share   $ 0.18     $ 0.66     $ 1.65     $ 2.38  
    Diluted net income per share   $ 0.19     $ 0.58     $ 1.52     $ 2.09  
    Adjusted EPS(i)   $ 1.00     $ 0.87     $ 3.73     $ 2.83  

    (i) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
    (ii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.

        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                
    Cash provided by operating activities   $ 96,989     $ 168,569     $ 217,607     $ 278,090  
    Cash used in investing activities     (75,764 )     (137,756 )     (274,683 )     (244,879 )
    Effect of exchange rate on changes in cash     1,400       (4,532 )     353       (5,994 )
    Add back of growth and non-cash items included in the above figures:                
    Acquisition of MacKellar(i)           51,671             51,671  
    Acquisition costs           5,934             7,095  
    Buyout of BNA Remanufacturing LP     4,210             4,210        
    Growth capital additions(ii)     23,646       35,941       84,633       40,416  
    Capital additions financed by leases(ii)           (931 )     (14,157 )     (28,159 )
    Free cash flow(ii)   $ 50,481     $ 118,896     $ 17,963     $ 98,240  

    (i)Acquisition of MacKellar is the purchase price less cash acquired.
    (ii)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

    Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

    Revenue from wholly-owned entities was $305.6 million, down from $328.3 million in the same period last year. The quarter-over-quarter reduction reflects a reduction in overall work scopes in the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment due to a reduction in equipment utilization to 54%, compared to 65% in 2023 Q4, largely offset by improved performance in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment. Revenue generated in that segment of $160.3 million includes a strong contribution from MacKellar of $155.4 million, up from $122.5 million in Q4 of last year, as the group commences work on new contracts and increases equipment utilization at existing sites. Eliminations in the quarter largely relate to equipment maintenance performed by the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment on MacKellar equipment.

    Gross profit was $42.0 million, representing 13.7% of revenue, compared to $65.6 million and a 20.0% gross margin in the same period last year. The decline was primarily driven by lower contributions from the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment. Cost of sales for the quarter totaled $218.8 million, down from $220.7 million in the prior-period, reflecting lower overall revenue levels. Gross profit in the Heavy Equipment – Canada segment was impacted by the $8.9 million customer claim extinguishment as part of a four-year $500 million contract extension executed in December 2024. Gross profit in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment was impacted by $10.1 million of integration costs, primarily transportation of haul trucks from North America to Australia.

    General and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation expense) were $13.7 million, or 4.5% of revenue, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, down from $18.7 million, or 5.7% of revenue, in the same period last year. The current year decrease is due to the inclusion of non-recurring MacKellar acquisition costs totaling $5.9 million in the prior year, offset by spend related to increased activity levels in the Heavy Equipment – Australia segment.

    Cash related interest expense of $13.7 million represents an average cost of debt of 6.7% (compared to $13.2 million and 8.8%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023). The increase in interest expense is primarily attributed to a higher balance on the Credit Facility, along with greater equipment financing—mainly from the addition of MacKellar—partially offset by the elimination of our customer supply chain financing arrangement late in Q3.

    Net income of $4.8 million in Q4 2024, compared to $17.6 million in the same period last year, was lower due to the lower gross profit factors discussed above, partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses and improved results from the equity joint ventures.

    Free cash flow in the quarter was $50.5 million, driven primarily by adjusted EBITDA of $103.7 million less sustaining capital spending of $47.7 million and cash interest paid of $13.7 million.

    Liquidity

    Including equipment financing availability and factoring in the amended Credit Facility agreement, total available capital liquidity of $275.3 million includes total liquidity of $170.6 million, $86.7 million of unused finance lease borrowing availability, and $17.9 million of unused other borrowing availability as at December 31, 2024. Liquidity is primarily provided by the terms of our $522.6 million credit facility which allows for funds availability based on a trailing twelve-month EBITDA as defined in the agreement, and is now scheduled to expire in October 2027.

    Business Updates

    Strategic Focus Areas for 2025

    • Safety – maintain our uncompromising commitment to health and safety while elevating the standard of excellence in the field, particularly with regards to front-line leadership training;
    • Operational excellence – put into action practical and experienced-based protocols to ensure predictable high-quality project execution in Australia;
    • Execution – enhance equipment availability in Canada through improved fleet maintenance, equipment telematics and reliability programs, technical improvements and management systems;
    • Integration – utilize recently implemented ERP at MacKellar Group to optimize business processes to lower overall costs and improve working capital management;
    • Organic growth – based on strong site operating performance, leverage customer satisfaction to earn contract extensions and expansions;
    • Diversification – pursue diversification of customers and resources through strategic partnerships, industry expertise and investment in Indigenous joint ventures; and
    • Sustainability – further develop and deliver into our environmental, social and governance goals.

    Outlook for 2025

    The following table provides projected key measures for 2025 and actual results of 2024 and 2023. The measures for 2025 are predicated on contracts currently in place, including expected renewals and the heavy equipment fleet that we own and operate.

    Key measures   2023 Actual   2024 Actual   2025 Outlook
    Combined revenue(i)   $1.3B   $1.4B   $1.4 – $1.6B
    Adjusted EBITDA(i)   $297M   $390M   $415 – $445M
    Sustaining capital(i)   $169M   $166M   $180 – $200M
    Adjusted EPS(i)   $2.83   $3.73   $3.70 – $4.00
    Free cash flow(i)   $90M   $18M   $130 – $150M
                 
    Capital allocation            
    Growth spending(i)   $40M   $85M   $65 – $75M
    Net debt leverage(i)   1.7x   2.2x   Targeting 1.7x

    (i)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    Management will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss our financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, tomorrow, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:00 am Eastern Time (7:00 am Mountain Time).

    The call can be accessed by dialing:

    Toll free: 1-800-717-1738
    Conference ID: 71653

    A replay will be available through April 20, 2025, by dialing:

    Toll Free: 1-888-660-6264
    Conference ID: 71653
    Playback Passcode: 71653

    A slide deck for the webcast will be available for download the evening prior to the call and will be found on the company’s website at www.nacg.ca/presentations/

    The live presentation and webcast can be accessed at:

    https://onlinexperiences.com/scripts/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:QS!10100&ShowUUID=70DEA77D-C2B3-4C4B-80EF-A1303C5C95BF

    A replay will be available until April 20, 2025, using the link provided.

    Basis of Presentation

    We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). Unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts discussed are in Canadian dollars. Please see the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, for further detail on the matters discussed in this release. In addition to the MD&A, please reference the dedicated 2024 Q4 Results Presentation for more information on our results and projections which can be found on our website under Investors – Presentations.

    Change in significant accounting policy – Basis of presentation

    During the first quarter of 2024, we changed our accounting policy for the elimination of its proportionate share of profit from downstream sales to affiliates and joint ventures to record through equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Prior to this change, we eliminated our proportionate share of profit on downstream sales to affiliates and joint ventures through revenue and cost of sales. The change in accounting policy simplifies the presentation for downstream profit eliminations and has no cumulative impact on retained earnings. We have accounted for the change retrospectively in accordance with the requirements of US GAAP Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 250 by restating the comparative period. For details of retrospective changes, refer to note 25 in the consolidated financial statements.

    Accounting pronouncements recently adopted

    Segment reporting

    The Company adopted the new standard for segment reporting that is effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting: Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This accounting standard update was issued to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The Company has updated its disclosures to reflect the additional requirements.

    Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

    Joint venture formations

    In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations – Joint Venture Formations. This accounting standard update was issued to create new requirements for valuing contributions made to a joint venture upon formation. This standard is effective January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

    Income taxes

    In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes: Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This accounting standard update was issued to increase transparency by improving income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This standard is effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

    Stock compensation

    In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation – Stock Compensation. This accounting standard update was issued to reduce complexity in determining if profit interest awards are subject to Topic 718 and to reduce diversity in practice. This standard is effective for annual statements for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

    Debt with conversion options

    In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options. This accounting standard update was issued to improve the relevance and consistency in application of the induced conversion guidance in Subtopic 470-20. This standard is effective for annual statements for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

    Expense disaggregation

    In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures. This accounting standard update was issued to require public entities to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements. This standard is effective for annual statements for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027. We are assessing the impact the adoption of this standard may have on its consolidated financial statements.

    Forward-Looking Information

    The information provided in this release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “should” or similar expressions and include guidance with respect to financial metrics provided in our outlook for 2025.

    The material factors or assumptions used to develop the above forward-looking statements include, and the risks and uncertainties to which such forward-looking statements are subject, are highlighted in the MD&A for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements because of any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond NACG’s control. Undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements and NACG undertakes no obligation, other than those required by applicable law, to update or revise those statements. For more complete information about NACG, please read our disclosure documents filed with the SEC and the CSA. These free documents can be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on the CSA website at www.sedarplus.ca and on our company website at www.nacg.ca.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release presents certain non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, and supplementary financial measures that may be useful to investors in analyzing our business performance, leverage, and liquidity. A non-GAAP financial measure is defined by relevant regulatory authorities as a numerical measure of an issuer’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flow that is not specified, defined or determined under the issuer’s GAAP and that is not presented in an issuer’s financial statements. A “non-GAAP ratio” is a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar expression that has a non-GAAP financial measure as one or more of its components. Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A “supplementary financial measure” is a financial measure disclosed, or intended to be disclosed, on a periodic basis to depict historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that does not fall within the definition of a non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. The non-GAAP financial measures and ratios we present include, “adjusted EBIT”, “adjusted EBITDA”, “adjusted EBITDA margin” “adjusted EPS”, “adjusted net earnings”, “backlog”, “capital additions”, “capital expenditures, net”, “capital inventory”, “capital work in progress”, “cash liquidity”, “cash related interest expense”, “cash provided by operating activities prior to change in working capital”, “combined backlog”, “combined gross profit”, “combined gross profit margin”, “equity investment depreciation and amortization”, “equity investment EBIT”, “equity method investment backlog”, “free cash flow”, “general and administrative expenses (excluding stock-based compensation)”, “growth capital”, “growth spending”, “invested capital”, “margin”, “net debt”, “net debt leverage”, “share of affiliate and joint venture capital additions”, “sustaining capital”, “total capital liquidity”, “total combined revenue”, and “total debt”. We also use supplementary financial measures such as “gross profit margin” and “total net working capital (excluding cash and current portion of long-term debt)” in our MD&A. Each non-GAAP financial measure used in this press release is defined under “Financial Measures” in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed on EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on the CSA website at www.sedarplus.ca and on our company website at www.nacg.ca.

    Reconciliation of total reported revenue to total combined revenue
        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands)     2024     2023(ii)     2024       2023(ii)  
    Revenue from wholly-owned entities per financial statements   $ 305,590     $ 328,282     $ 1,165,787     $ 964,680  
    Share of revenue from investments in affiliates and joint ventures     134,348       169,662       517,137       686,299  
    Elimination of joint venture subcontract revenue     (67,200 )     (92,522 )     (267,595 )     (369,891 )
    Total combined revenue(i)   $ 372,738     $ 405,422     $ 1,415,329     $ 1,281,088  

    (i) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
    (ii)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in presentation. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

    Reconciliation of reported gross profit to combined gross profit
        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands)     2024   2023(ii)     2024   2023(ii)
    Gross profit from wholly-owned entities per financial statements   $ 41,991   $ 65,620   $ 210,048   $ 154,833
    Share of gross profit from investments in affiliates and joint ventures     12,283     8,670     49,455     49,638
    Combined gross profit(i)   $ 54,274   $ 74,290   $ 259,503   $ 204,471

    (i) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
    (ii)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in presentation. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

    Reconciliation of net income to adjusted net earnings, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA
        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income   $ 4,808     $ 17,646     $ 44,085     $ 63,141  
    Adjustments:                
    Stock-based compensation expense (benefit)     5,625       (496 )     8,706       15,828  
    Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment     126       1,470       767       1,659  
    Write-down on assets held for sale                 4,181        
    Change in fair value of contingent obligation from adjustments to estimates     9,464             36,049        
    (Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments     (4,797 )     916       (3,952 )     (6,063 )
    Equity investment (gain) loss on derivative financial instruments     (201 )     (713 )     2,633       (1,362 )
    Equity investment restructuring costs                 4,517        
    Loss on equity investment customer bankruptcy claim settlement                       759  
    Loss on extinguishment of customer claim     8,866             8,866        
    Post-acquisition asset relocation and integration costs     10,111             10,111        
    Acquisition costs           5,934             7,095  
    Tax effect of the above items     (7,197 )     (1,589 )     (16,169 )     (5,829 )
    Adjusted net earnings(i)   $ 26,805     $ 23,168     $ 99,794     $ 75,228  
    Adjustments:                
    Tax effect of the above items     7,197       1,589       16,169       5,829  
    Interest expense, net     14,401       14,007       59,340       36,948  
    Equity investment EBIT(i)(iii)     5,076       1,622       12,228       24,929  
    Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures(iii)     (5,754 )     (2,236 )     (15,299 )     (25,199 )
    Change in fair value of contingent obligations     4,797       4,681       17,157       4,681  
    Income tax expense     (375 )     10,930       15,950       22,822  
    Adjusted EBIT(i)   $ 52,147     $ 53,761     $ 205,339     $ 145,238  
    Adjustments:                
    Depreciation and amortization     45,093       42,277       167,937       132,516  
    Write-down on assets held for sale                 (4,181 )      
    Equity investment depreciation and amortization(i)     6,474       5,098       21,163       19,209  
    Adjusted EBITDA(i)   $ 103,714     $ 101,136     $ 390,258     $ 296,963  
    Adjusted EBITDA margin(i)(ii)     27.8 %     24.9 %     27.6 %     23.2 %

    (i) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.
    (ii)Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated using adjusted EBITDA over total combined revenue.
    (iii)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in presentation. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

    Reconciliation of equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures to equity investment EBIT
        Three months ended   Year ended
        December 31,   December 31,
    (dollars in thousands)     2024     2023(ii)     2024       2023(ii)  
    Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures   $ 5,754     $ 2,236     $ 15,299     $ 25,199  
    Adjustments:                
    Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment     (237 )     (22 )     (595 )     (57 )
    Interest expense (income), net     460       (268 )     (877 )     (1,183 )
    Income tax (recovery) expense     (901 )     (324 )     (1,599 )     970  
    Equity investment EBIT(i)   $ 5,076     $ 1,622     $ 12,228     $ 24,929  

    (i) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”
    (ii)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in presentation. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

    About the Company

    North American Construction Group Ltd. is a premier provider of heavy civil construction and mining services in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. For over 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource and infrastructure construction markets.

    For further information contact:

    Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    North American Construction Group Ltd.
    (780) 960.7171
    ir@nacg.ca
    www.nacg.ca

    Consolidated Balance SheetsAs at December 31
    (Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars)
          2024       2023  
    Assets        
    Current assets        
    Cash   $ 77,875     $ 88,614  
    Accounts receivable     166,070       97,855  
    Contract assets     4,135       35,027  
    Inventories     74,081       64,962  
    Prepaid expenses and deposits     7,676       7,402  
    Assets held for sale     683       1,340  
          330,520       295,200  
    Property, plant and equipment     1,246,584       1,142,946  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     12,722       12,782  
    Investments in affiliates and joint ventures     84,692       81,435  
    Intangible assets     9,901       6,971  
    Other assets     9,845       7,144  
    Total assets   $ 1,694,264     $ 1,546,478  
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities        
    Accounts payable   $ 110,750     $ 146,190  
    Accrued liabilities     77,908       72,225  
    Contract liabilities     1,944       59  
    Current portion of long-term debt     84,194       81,306  
    Current portion of contingent obligations     39,290       22,501  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities     1,771       1,742  
          315,857       324,023  
    Long-term debt     719,399       611,313  
    Contingent obligations     88,576       93,356  
    Operating lease liabilities     11,441       11,307  
    Other long-term obligations     44,711       41,001  
    Deferred tax liabilities     125,378       108,824  
          1,305,362       1,189,824  
    Shareholders’ equity        
    Common shares (authorized – unlimited number of voting common shares; issued and outstanding – December 31, 2024 – 27,704,450 (December 31, 2023 – 27,827,282))     228,961       229,455  
    Treasury shares (December 31, 2024 – 1,000,328 (December 31, 2023 – 1,090,187))     (15,913 )     (16,165 )
    Additional paid-in capital     20,819       20,739  
    Retained earnings     156,125       123,032  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,090 )     (407 )
    Shareholders’ equity     388,902       356,654  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,694,264     $ 1,546,478  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations and
    Comprehensive Income
    For the years ended December 31
    (Expressed in thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)
          2024       2023(i)  
    Revenue   $ 1,165,787     $ 964,680  
    Cost of sales     789,056       678,528  
    Depreciation     166,683       131,319  
    Gross profit     210,048       154,833  
    General and administrative expenses     55,951       56,844  
    Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment     767       1,659  
    Operating income     153,330       96,330  
    Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures     (15,299 )     (25,199 )
    Interest expense, net     59,340       36,948  
    Change in fair value of contingent obligations     53,206       4,681  
    Gain on derivative financial instruments     (3,952 )     (6,063 )
    Income before income taxes     60,035       85,963  
    Current income tax (benefit) expense     (3,280 )     6,841  
    Deferred income tax expense     19,230       15,981  
    Net income     44,085       63,141  
    Other comprehensive income        
    Unrealized foreign currency translation loss     683       713  
    Comprehensive income   $ 43,402     $ 62,428  
             
    Per share information        
    Basic net income per share   $ 1.65     $ 2.38  
    Diluted net income per share   $ 1.52     $ 2.09  

    (i)The prior year amounts are adjusted to reflect a change in presentation. See “Accounting Estimates, Pronouncements and Measures”.

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