Breaking news

Cyprus Unveils New Employment And Education Plans For People With Disabilities

by News Editor

August 4, 2026

Cyprus is introducing a broad package of measures aimed at improving employment, education and long-term support for people with disabilities, with the government seeking to create a more structured transition from school into adult life. President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled the reforms on Tuesday, saying the goal is to ensure people with disabilities can work, build careers and participate fully in the country’s economic and social life.

Personalised Support After School

At the heart of the new policy is a personalised transition plan for every student leaving special education at the age of 22. Rather than finishing school without a clear pathway, each graduate will receive an individual plan designed to support the move into employment, further education or other services. Two new employment programmes are also expected to launch before the end of 2026.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Stronger Incentives For Employers

Financial support for social enterprises hiring people with disabilities will increase from €10,000 to €25,000, with the subsidy remaining available until 2030. Investments in social enterprises will also qualify for tax exemptions of up to €150,000. According to the government, around 460 people currently participate in state-supported employment programmes.

More Education Opportunities

The reforms extend educational opportunities beyond the age of 22 through a new Inclusion and Professional Empowerment programme at post-secondary vocational education and training institutes. Participants will be able to continue their education, receive recognised diplomas and access support from personal professional assistants and vocational teachers.

Expanding Support Services

Alongside the education and employment measures, the government plans to invest €4 million in new day centres offering 30 educational programmes for adults with disabilities. Each participant will receive a €300 transport allowance, while three new autism centres are scheduled to open in Nicosia and Ayia Napa.

Closing A Longstanding Gap

Presenting the reforms, Christodoulides said previous policies failed to create a smooth transition between education, training, employment and care, leaving many young adults with disabilities without clear opportunities after leaving school. He described the new framework as a coordinated effort involving five ministries, the Deputy Ministry to the President and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, with the aim of providing long-term support rather than temporary solutions.

The president said the reforms are intended to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunity to plan their future as any other citizen.

“Inclusion means ensuring that no one is left behind and that everyone has real choices and equal opportunities,” he said.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.