Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) said there is a shift in shoppers habits as people are tightening their belts and are not continuing with their normal festive shopping habits. Betts told the i, "I think what we're seeing... is that where people are buying those items now, they tend to be within their same basket spend, so not as an add-on to a basket that they would otherwise have bought."
This is a real escalation in the dispute with agency workers now joining picket lines due to the terrible way they have been treated by Job and Talent and Birmingham council. Birmingham council is spending a fortune it doesn't have on a dispute that could easily be resolved by agreeing a fair deal for workers. Unite does what it says on the trade union tin we are totally committed to fighting for the jobs, pay and conditions of all its members.
In a statement, the companies said their agreement would help NHS staff use the FDP to support operations, improve care, drive up efficiency, and drive down waiting lists. They said the apprenticeship program would launch in February 2026 with a curriculum tailored to NHS roles including analysts, administrators, managers, and clinical staff. Louis Mosley, Palantir executive vice president for UK and Europe, stated:
A Muslim charity run that stopped women and girls over 12 from taking part is reviewing its policies after a backlash. Organised by the East London Mosque and the London Muslim Centre, it was only open to men, boys of all ages and girls under 12. While single-sex charity runs can be legally permissible, she said organisers could have taken practical steps such as different starting times or separate groups to accommodate women and girls without compromising religious beliefs.
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Perkins said: The government's target to build 1.5m homes by the end of this parliament is incredibly ambitious. Achieving it alongside our existing targets on climate and sustainability which are set in law will require effort on a scale not seen before. That certainly will not be achieved by scapegoating nature, claiming that it is a blocker' to housing delivery. We are clear in our report: a healthy environment is essential to building resilient towns and cities. It must not be sidelined.
PA Media People granted asylum in the UK will have to wait 20 years before they can apply to settle permanently, under plans due to be announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday. The major shake-up to asylum policy comes as the government seeks to reduce small boat crossings and asylum claims. Under the plans, people who are granted asylum will only be allowed to stay in the country temporarily, with their refugee status regularly reviewed and those whose home countries are then deemed safe told to return.
While an element of despair is forgivable, it is imperative that the plan be given a chance to work - not least as it's the only game in town. For it to fall flat again is too horrific to contemplate. It has encouraging elements, including the recognition of the need for increased infrastructure investment to support new developments. If ministers are serious about providing a "clear and robust framework" for construction, all the better.
Hotels housing asylum seekers became a lightning rod this summer for political and community tensions over illegal migration, and over the dramatic increase in the number of migrants arriving in Britain on small boats. Large numbers of people are still being housed in these hotels, though the government has promised to end the practice by the end of this parliament, in 2029.
The contrarian with an audience of millions and a father from Offaly on why he thinks wokeism can be a form of fascism
The truth is that without securing higher, sustained economic growth, reconnecting people and politics, generating trust in the potential of democracy and importance of good government becomes almost impossible. And the appeal of the parties of the far right with their dogma of disruption, division and despair it becomes, too, alluring. Kyle added: We see it today with Reform, just as we did in previous times with the National Front and the British National party.
Stamp duty is a way to siphon off some of the gains when a property transaction goes through. Capital gains tax allows the state to take a slice of wealth after a sale. Never mind that both taxes deter people from buying and selling. It allows everyone to avoid the clearer, fairer annual tax on wealth that many economists support.
Heightened security measures were introduced in the Commons after the phone was found. Audio and guided tours were cancelled and there was reduced access to the Commons chamber. The House of Lords took the same decision to reduce access to the Lords Chamber as a precautionary measure. Enquiries remain ongoing and we continue to keep the speaker and clerk of the house up to date with our investigation, the spokesperson said.
Youth unemployment is at the highest level since the Covid pandemic, as younger people bear the brunt of a worsening slowdown in the UK jobs market. Excluding the peak recorded during the autumn of 2020, when the country was entering the second pandemic lockdown, the jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds running at 15.3% is at the highest level in a decade.
A major redevelopment which will see more than 2,500 homes built on a former gasworks site in west London has been approved. Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will see 500 classed as affordable with 342 at social rent and 158 at an intermediate rate. Although below Kensington and Chelsea Council's 35.7% target, officers said it was the maximum viable level.
