Here are the top news stories this week so far, check back later this week for more.

Scottish independence: voting under way in referendum

The Scottish referendum vote has begun.  Today Scotland will decide whether to become independent or stay part of the UK.  It has been reported all media and news desks are not to share any details until polls close.  The past few weeks have seen both Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling going head to head in live debates, prompting celebrities and the Prime Minister to have their say. Votes earlier in debates indicated a definite ‘no’, however, as the campaigns continue, votes are now closer than ever.  BBC have reported a high turnout, with over 4million people registered to vote. Voting closes at 10pm today with an announcement expected around 7am tomorrow.

UK jobless levels lowest since 2008

As the Trade Union Congress (TUC) campaign for an increase in wages, unemployment figures are steadily falling to their lowest since 2008.  Official figures from the Office of National Statistics, recorded the number of unemployed people falling to 2.02million.  The change in levels has seen a decrease in jobseekers allowance claims, as the number of those actively claiming fell below 1 million for the first time in six years.  So why are the TUC still campaigning?  Although there has been a rise in employment levels, many of the jobs are either low paid or can’t keep up with inflation, bringing ‘the real wage crisis’.  The TUC argue, the wage crisis is promoting the fall on the average living standard of an employee working in the UK.  Do you think you may need financial guidance on how to tackle inflation?  Speak to one of our helpful advisers here.

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