The Weekly Review: Feb 17 - Feb 23

Every Sunday, we bring together the most important stories of the week from across a wide range of sectors.

Politics

Andrew Sabisky, a former No 10 adviser, has resigned from his position following comments he had made on eugenics, race and women.

Former leader of the SNP and first minister, Alex Salmond, appeared in court on Tuesday prior to his trial on charges of attempted rape and sexual assault.

According to research conducted by the County Councils Network, households across the UK are likely to see council tax rises from April.

Economy

According to ONS figures, the average weekly wage in the UK has now risen above the rate of March 2008, the highest level reached before the financial crisis.

The Access to Cash Review, a campaign group which lobbies the government to protect consumer’s ability to access cash, has said the cash system could collapse within the next ten years if it is not supported with new legislation.

After Boris Johnson’s first reshuffle since December’s general election on the 14th February, chancellor Sajid Javid controversially resigned, making way for Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak to be promoted to the role, with a budget deadline looming.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, the struggling retail sector has been boosted by a strong performance in January.

According to the International Air Transport Association, airlines are set to lose £23.7 billion of revenue this year because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Infrastructure

Over one per cent of governmental infrastructure funding in England will go towards flood defences.

Immigration

Plans unveiled by the government have revealed that “low-skilled” workers will not be granted visas after Brexit according to their new immigration plans.

Education

PISA results paint an incomplete picture, the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Ken Muir says

In a blog post, Amanda Spielman, the chief of Ofsted, has said that funding cuts have forced schools to reduce their curriculum offer and have left them unable to replace teachers when they leave.

Technology

According to a report from mobile communication firm Viasat, government employees lost 2,004 mobile devices over the last 12 months.