Young apprentices should have part of their wages paid by taxpayers, according to Reform UK plans, external aimed at delivering a “skills revolution”.

The party’s education spokeswoman Suella Braverman said a Reform government would introduce an “apprenticeship wage credit” offering small and medium-sized businesses a 30% rebate on the wages of apprentices they take on aged 16 to 18.

She also advised students receiving their GCSE exam results on Thursday “not to get ripped off by the great university scam” and to learn a trade instead.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants teenagers to have technical routes into careers that could rival the path of a traditional university degree.

The government has been introducing changes and examining ways to encourage more young people into work, including giving some parents on benefits up to £4,500 a year to encourage their children to start apprenticeships.

Former minister Alan Milburn has been tasked with investigating why so many young people are not in employment, education or training – known by the acronym Neets.

Reform said its announcement was the first in a series of proposals aimed at reaching 600,000 apprenticeship starts per year by the end of the next Parliament, likely to be 2034.

The party says it would pay for its plans by banning all foreign students from accessing taxpayer-funded loans and stopping what the party calls “Mickey Mouse degrees”.

Reform said its policy, which also includes a £2,000 retention bonus for apprentices, could cost between £1.48bn and almost £2bn over five years.

Braverman said there are “excessive number of graduates with qualifications that don’t match the skills needed for our country,” arguing that learning a trade would be a better use of their time.

Apprentices are generally paid a lower wage but get on-the-job training and practical work experience.

Speaking at a press conference, Braverman said: “We’re firing the starting gun on unleashing a technical and vocational renaissance of homegrown skills.

“Reform will not do this because it fills us with some jingoistic pride but because we will do what it takes to save Britain from the perpetual doom loop of decline, debt and despair that we’re currently in.”

The MP said the apprenticeship wage credit would result in businesses saving an average of £4,000-a-year per apprentice.

The £2,000 tax-free retention bonus would be paid to workers who “show loyalty” by staying with the business that trained them for at least two years after they complete their apprenticeship, said Braverman.

Asked if the policy would mean some universities would have to close, Braverman said she did not envisage that but instead suggested universities need to “repurpose” themselves into construction colleges and manufacturing colleges.

When pressed to give examples of “Mickey Mouse degrees”, Braverman pointed to “gender studies” and “golf course studies”.

She said: “There’s not a necessity, there’s not a value in many of these degrees.”

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has previously criticised Braverman for similar remarks, which they branded “negligent and potentially damaging”.

BIGGA chief executive Jim Croxton said: “Golf course management is a growing industry with currently more vacancies than qualified applicants.

“Anyone successfully studying for a degree in this field is effectively guaranteed employment in a vibrant industry.”

On Wednesday, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott said there is demand for apprenticeships but claimed the Labour government “aren’t doing enough to boost supply”.

She said: “Our New Deal for Young People would axe the dead end degrees that don’t lead to jobs and instead invest in apprenticeships giving school leavers more choice.”

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A car accident can turn an ordinary trip into a stressful legal and financial problem within minutes. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your safety, preserve important evidence and make it easier to deal with insurers or a potential legal claim.

Australian road and insurance rules vary between states and territories, so the exact reporting requirements and compensation process can depend on where the accident occurred. However, there are several practical steps drivers should take after almost any collision.

Stop, check for injuries and make the scene safe

The first priority after a crash is safety.

Drivers involved in an accident should stop and provide assistance to anyone who is injured. In NSW, for example, drivers are legally required to stop and help injured people after a crash.

If someone is seriously injured, there is a danger at the scene, or you believe emergency assistance is needed, call 000.

If it is safe to do so, move vehicles away from traffic where permitted and practical. Avoid creating another hazard while trying to document the accident.

Do not leave the scene simply because the damage appears minor. Legal obligations can apply even when a crash initially seems straightforward.

Exchange information with the other driver

After ensuring everyone is safe, exchange details with the other people involved.

Information worth collecting includes the driver’s name, contact details, licence information, registration number and vehicle details. You should also obtain insurance information where available.

Financial regulator MoneySmart recommends collecting details such as the driver’s name, address and phone number, the vehicle owner’s information if different, licence and registration details, the insurer and basic vehicle information.

If witnesses saw what happened, ask for their contact details as well.

Do not rely on memory. A stressful accident can make it difficult to remember names, registration numbers or exactly what happened several hours later.

Photograph the accident scene

Evidence can become extremely important if the drivers disagree about who was responsible.

If you can safely do so, take photographs of:

• The vehicles and visible damage
• The position of the vehicles
• Registration plates
• Road signs and traffic signals
• Lane markings
• Skid marks or debris
• Damage to surrounding property
• The wider road or intersection
• Weather and road conditions

Photographs taken soon after the accident can help insurers and lawyers understand what happened.

NSW’s State Insurance Regulatory Authority recommends recording the date, time and exact location of a crash, obtaining witness details and photographing the scene where possible.

A dashcam recording can also be valuable evidence. Keep the original recording rather than relying only on an edited clip.

Report the accident when required

Police reporting requirements differ across Australia.

In NSW, for example, certain crashes must be reported to police, including accidents involving death or injury, a driver who fails to stop and exchange details, a vehicle that is towed away, or a driver who appears to be affected by drugs or alcohol. Legal Aid NSW says these accidents generally need to be reported as soon as possible and within 24 hours unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Other states and territories have their own requirements.

If police attend, keep the event or incident number. Your insurer may request it when you make a claim.

If you are uncertain whether a report is required, check the rules that apply in the state or territory where the accident occurred.

See a doctor if you are injured

Some injuries are obvious immediately. Others may become noticeable later.

If you experience pain, dizziness, headaches, stiffness or other symptoms after a collision, seek medical attention. Keep medical records, receipts and other documents relating to treatment.

In NSW, people injured in motor accidents may be able to claim certain medical and related expenses through the compulsory third-party insurance system. SIRA says injured people should keep receipts and other evidence relating to treatment and earnings.

It is also important not to assume that a minor-looking injury will automatically remain minor. A medical assessment can establish what treatment is appropriate and create a record of the injury.

Understand the difference between CTP and car insurance

One of the biggest sources of confusion after an Australian car accident is insurance.

Compulsory Third Party, or CTP, insurance generally covers injuries to people caused by a vehicle. It does not generally cover damage to cars or other property.

Property damage is dealt with through other forms of motor insurance.

Third-party property damage insurance can protect against claims for damage caused to another person’s vehicle or property. Comprehensive insurance generally provides broader cover, including damage to the insured vehicle as well as damage to other vehicles or property, subject to the policy’s terms.

The exact cover depends on the policy.

Before making a claim, read the relevant policy and Product Disclosure Statement. MoneySmart notes that exclusions can apply, including circumstances involving an unregistered vehicle or certain conduct by the driver.

Notify your insurer promptly

If you have insurance, contact your insurer as soon as practical after the accident.

Even if you are unsure whether you will ultimately make a claim, check your policy because it may require you to notify the insurer about an accident.

Your insurer may ask for photographs, the location and circumstances of the accident, a police report number, witness information and towing details.

Do not assume that speaking to the other driver or agreeing to pay for repairs privately will resolve the matter permanently. Damage that initially appears inexpensive can turn out to be more significant after an inspection.

Be careful about admitting fault

An accident can happen quickly, and drivers do not always have all the facts immediately afterward.

Avoid making definitive statements about legal responsibility before the circumstances have been properly established. Instead, record what you observed and provide factual information to your insurer or lawyer.

This does not mean refusing to cooperate. It means avoiding speculation about matters you may not fully understand at the scene.

If the other driver, their insurer or a lawyer later alleges that you caused the accident, keep copies of all correspondence and seek advice before agreeing to a significant payment or settlement.

Keep every document

Create a file containing photographs, police information, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, medical records, receipts and notes about the accident.

If you miss work because of an injury, keep evidence of lost income. NSW’s SIRA guidance specifically identifies proof of earnings as relevant evidence for certain motor accident injury claims.

Good record-keeping can make an insurance or legal dispute much easier to manage.

When should you speak to a lawyer?

Not every minor crash requires a lawyer.

Legal advice can become particularly important when someone has suffered significant injuries, fault is disputed, an insurer rejects a claim, another party demands substantial compensation, or the accident has resulted in serious financial losses.

Injury claims can also have strict deadlines. For example, NSW’s motor accident scheme has specific time limits for reporting accidents and lodging different types of claims.

Because the rules differ across Australia, someone injured in a crash should not assume that a deadline in one state applies everywhere.

The bottom line

After a car accident, the best approach is to stay calm, put safety first and document as much as possible.

Stop and assist anyone who is injured. Exchange details. Photograph the scene if it is safe. Report the accident when required. Notify your insurer and keep records of expenses, damage and medical treatment.

Most importantly, do not assume that a quick agreement at the roadside settles every legal issue.

Australian motor accident laws are state and territory based, and the right insurance or compensation pathway can depend on the circumstances of the crash. If serious injuries or a disputed claim are involved, getting legal advice early can help protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

British businesses have heard a great deal about artificial intelligence. Much of it has been noise: bold predictions, vague promises, and a general sense that something important is happening somewhere.

For the average business owner, the practical question has gone unanswered. What does this actually do for me?

The honest answer is more useful than the hype suggests. The most valuable AI for a typical business right now is not a clever chatbot. An AI Agent that can carry out Practical tasks across existing Business systems can be far more useful. It is software that quietly handles the repetitive work sitting between the tools a company already runs.

The Cost Hiding in Plain Sight

Every business tracks what it spends on software. Very few track what it spends on staff moving information between those systems by hand.

The pattern is familiar across industries:

• A lead enquires, and someone retypes the details elsewhere.
• An order arrives, and several records get updated separately.
• A new hire starts, and setting up their access eats days of a manager’s week.

Each task is small. Across a month and a growing team, they add up to real salary spent on work that creates nothing new.

Why More Software Made It Worse

It seems backwards, but buying more tools usually increases manual work rather than reducing it.

The reason is structural. Each application works as its own island. Sales in one, finance in another, service in a third, and none of them naturally share information. So staff become the bridge, copying data from screen to screen all day.

What Actually Changed

The development worth understanding is AI automation that can be set up by describing a process in plain language, rather than writing code.

A manager says what should happen, and the system builds and runs it across the relevant applications. When a deal closes, the details move into finance, the record updates, and the follow-up gets scheduled, without anyone touching it.

The significant part is who can build it. The person who understands the business problem no longer waits behind technical staff. Given how competitive developer hiring has become across the UK, removing that bottleneck matters.

A Sensible Way to Start With AI

For a growing business, the temptation is to either ignore automation or try to do everything at once. The wiser path sits between:

• Start with one frequent, tedious task. The time saved is immediate and obvious.
• Insist on visibility. Every process should log what it does and flag failures.
• Secure access: Give each automation just the information it really needs.
• Measure the difference before growing. .

A single AI chatbot or automated process, handling one reliable job, proves the value before you scale.

Conclusion

The British businesses pulling ahead are not necessarily the ones with the biggest software budgets. Increasingly, they are the ones that stopped paying the hidden cost of work falling between their systems.

The tools have matured, and AI has brought them within reach of ordinary companies. For any business trying to grow without simply adding hours and headcount, that is worth a serious look this year.

FAQs

What is AI automation, to put it simply?

Answer: Software that connects your business tools and moves information between them automatically, without manual copying.

Do we need a technical team?

Answer: Usually not. Newer tools let you describe a process in plain language instead of writing code.

Where should a business start?

Answer: With one frequent, repetitive task, like logging leads or sending invoices, for the fastest return.

Is our data safe?

Answer: Yes, if you use reputable tools and limit each connection to the data it genuinely needs.

What size business does this suit?

Answer: Any size. Cost and technical skill were the old barriers, and both have dropped sharply.

Thailand faces a complex convergence of tragedy, natural disasters, security challenges, and economic transformation as the nation navigates multiple crises while pursuing modernization initiatives.

School Shooting Tragedy Grips Nation

The most devastating story dominating headlines involves a school shooting tragedy near Bangkok that has claimed at least nine lives. A student gunman first killed his grandparents before fatally shooting five teachers and students at a high school. The death toll rose incrementally as victims succumbed to injuries, with a 12-year-old girl’s death bringing the final count to nine. This represents Thailand’s deadliest school shooting in years and has ignited urgent national debate.

Millions of guns circulate throughout Thailand, and this incident has forced the country to confront the limits of its firearm control policies. Modern Diplomacy has examined how Thailand is responding to rising school shooting threats, with authorities and policymakers grappling with prevention strategies. The tragedy has left communities in mourning, with parents at local temples pleading for understanding, including one father publicly asking forgiveness on behalf of his son.

Natural Disasters: Flooding Crisis Escalates

Thailand is simultaneously battling severe flash flooding in Nan Province and surrounding northern and northeastern regions. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings of heavy rain and flash floods, with Cell Broadcast alerts being deployed to warn residents in affected areas.

The flooding crisis gained international attention after harrowing videos showed tourists taking selfies being swept away by raging flood waters near a popular waterfall destination. These incidents highlight the dangerous intersection of tourism and natural disaster risk, prompting renewed calls for better safety protocols at scenic locations.

Security and Border Concerns

Thailand continues addressing long-standing security challenges, including its decades-long southern insurgency. A government negotiator has indicated Thailand is seeking a “new path” to end this deadly conflict, though specific strategies remain in development.

Additionally, Thailand plans to invest $13 million reinforcing border defenses, reflecting ongoing concerns about regional security. The country has also drawn scrutiny for its handling of Myanmar-related affairs, with human rights organizations urging Thailand to halt deportation of Karen refugees back to Myanmar, citing refoulement risks. Myanmar’s military chief has visited Thailand seeking expanded security ties, while ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights have condemned what they describe as Thailand’s “dangerous normalization” of Myanmar’s military junta.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Thailand has taken decisive action against alleged criminal activity, issuing arrest warrants for 20 Israelis in a sweeping business crackdown centered on Koh Samui. This crackdown reflects broader efforts to address illicit business practices in tourist areas.

Meanwhile, authorities have dismantled cross-border scam operations through collaboration between Thai and Taiwanese police, part of broader regional efforts. US lawmakers have also joined Thai police in targeting scam gangs operating across Southeast Asia, indicating growing international cooperation on cybercrime and fraud prevention.

Economic Developments and Business Landscape

Thailand’s economy shows signs of strain, with second-quarter growth expected to slow sharply due to weak consumer consumption. This economic softening comes as the country simultaneously pursues ambitious digital and business initiatives.

In a significant technological push, Thailand has launched the TH-AI Passport, providing five million citizens with free access to premium AI tools for one year—signaling the government’s commitment to positioning the nation as a regional AI hub, as detailed by Thailand Business News.

The business sector shows continued international interest, with Blue Bottle Coffee making its Bangkok debut as part of broader Thailand expansion plans. Additionally, Thailand’s Minor Food Group and Serruya Private Equity are moving to acquire the Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon, reflecting continued foreign investment activity in the food and beverage sector.

The automotive industry is also adapting, with Chinese and Japanese carmakers adjusting strategies as Thailand implements new excise tax rules set to take effect in September, reshaping the competitive landscape for electric and traditional vehicles.

Tourism Sector Adjustments

Thailand’s tourism industry faces upcoming changes, with plans to implement a $13 tourist entry fee starting in 2027. This new policy aims to generate revenue while potentially funding infrastructure and environmental protection initiatives, though the exact allocation of funds remains under discussion.

The hospitality sector also received a boost with the opening of the first Grand Nikko-branded hotel in Thailand, incorporating advanced revenue management systems technology, reflecting the modernization push within the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Corruption and Governance Concerns

The South China Morning Post has highlighted concerns about widening corruption in Thailand, particularly relating to fake residency schemes for foreign children. This has raised questions about broader governance issues and regulatory enforcement in the country.

Energy Sector Transformation

Thailand is also examining its energy policy framework, with analysis suggesting reforming rooftop solar incentives could accelerate solar adoption while reducing dependence on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas imports. This reflects Thailand’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports amid global energy market volatility.

Conclusion

Thailand currently navigates an unusually challenging period, balancing human tragedy from the school shooting and natural disaster response with ambitious economic and technological modernization efforts. The nation’s response to these overlapping crises—ranging from gun control debates to flood management, security reforms, and digital transformation—will likely shape its trajectory in the months ahead as it works to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term structural challenges.

Source : Google News – Search

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