Forces MOD Stafford Community Information Portal

1. How to be likeable. Being likable isn’t about trying to win popularity contests. It’s about creating genuine human connections - the kind that make people want to work with you, trust you, and follow your lead. And the good news? Likability isn’t a mysterious talent that a few lucky people are born with. It’s built on three core traits: empathy, authenticity, and enthusiasm. Let’s break them down. READ MORE

2. Who will hurt most from the tariff war? Trump’s tariffs have the markets dropping faster than a bad stock tip, leaving investors scrambling and businesses uneasy. But is this just a temporary hiccup, or are we in for a much longer, more turbulent ride? Whether you’re eyeing the market like a hawk, hoping for a swift recovery, or bracing for worse, it’s time to take your stance. The impact of these tariffs could be far-reaching, but who really stands to lose the most? Will this crisis turn into a quick recovery, or will it lead to lasting market turmoil? Vote now, and let’s see where everyone stands - no hedge funds involved! VOTE HERE

3. Thousands of businesses file for insolvency. Thousands of businesses file for insolvency. Recent reports indicate that over 3,700 UK businesses filed for insolvency in the past month, a 32% increase from the same period last year. This surge coincides with significant tax hikes introduced on April 6, 2025, including an increase in employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% and a reduction in the earnings threshold from £9,100 to £5,000. Additionally, the National Minimum Wage has risen by 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. These changes are expected to raise business costs by 10-15%, with small and medium-sized firms being the hardest hit. The Times

4. Ban on hidden fees and fake online reviews. The UK has enacted the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024, targeting hidden mandatory fees and fraudulent online reviews. Businesses are now required to display all unavoidable charges, such as booking or installation fees, upfront. This measure addresses the estimated £2.2 billion annual cost to consumers from these “dripped fees,” which could previously inflate prices by over 25%. Additionally, the law mandates that companies monitor and eliminate fake reviews, a practice that had influenced 90% of online purchases and significantly impacted consumer spending. The Competition and Markets Authority will oversee enforcement to ensure transparency and fairness in the online marketplace. The Guardian

5. Young people facing barriers to employment. Around 500,000 young people in the UK are neither working nor studying and have never held a job, according to the Learning and Work Institute. Disturbingly, 59% of them are not actively seeking employment, pointing to a deeper issue. Of those disengaged, 27% cite long-term illness or disability – a figure that has doubled in the past decade. This growing trend raises concerns, highlighting a widening gap in opportunities for a generation struggling to enter the workforce. More than just statistics, these figures reflect a crisis of access, mental health, and economic disparity, leaving many young people feeling stuck. The Times

6. RTO could trigger mass resignations. A survey by recruiter Hays revealed that nearly 50% of UK workers would consider quitting if they were required to work full-time in the office. The poll, which included 8,000 participants, found that 77% are currently working in a hybrid arrangement, with three days in the office being the most common setup. More women (58%) than men (42%) expressed a willingness to leave if forced to return to the office every day. Only 8% of employers indicated plans to enforce full-time office work within the next six months. The Guardian

7. Ireland has the most powerful passport in the world. Ireland boasts the most powerful passport in the world, according to the 2025 Nomad Passport Index. This index ranks passports based on their “true value,” which includes factors such as visa-free travel, taxation, and personal freedoms. The Irish passport leads this year, offering its holders access to a wide range of countries without the need for a visa. Switzerland and Greece tied for second place, reflecting their strong international standing and favorable travel privileges. Meanwhile, the UK ranked 21st, alongside France, Estonia, Croatia, and Romania, which all scored lower due to various limitations in travel access and global flexibility. The Irish Sun

8. Young people are most concerned about money. According to the UK Youth Poll 2025, individuals aged 16-29 prioritize financial issues and work-related pressures over concerns like social media, the climate crisis, or culture wars. Financial anxiety topped the list, with 37% citing it as their biggest worry, followed by work stress (23%) and fears of job insecurity or unemployment (20%). Those employed full-time were more likely to feel optimistic about their future (77%) compared to those who were out of work (44%). Additionally, about two-thirds of respondents expressed a desire for social media to be banned for those under 16. John Smith Centre

9. Britain’s secret habit. Britain’s reputation as a nation of “curtain twitchers” may be true, with a recent Censuswide poll for Hillarys Curtains revealing that 8% of people admit to spying on their neighbours - especially those they don’t like. The survey found that men are more likely to engage in this behaviour, with 3% more men than women confessing to snooping on the people next door. This habit raises questions about privacy and boundaries in close-knit communities, highlighting how easy it is for curiosity to cross into intrusion. The Independent

10. The bottom line. In a reversal of pre-pandemic trends, more over-70s (5.4 million) paid income tax in 2022/23 than did under-30s (5.23 million). In total, the over-70s paid £19.1bn while the under-30s paid £18.3bn. The Independent