MPs have called for parents who experience pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, to be entitled to paid bereavement leave under the upcoming Employment Rights Bill. Currently, only those who lose a child after 24 weeks are entitled to two weeks’ paid leave. However, according to a report by the cross-party Women and Equalities Committee, more than… Continue reading 'I went back after three days': calls grow for miscarriage leave
Tag: UK News
Social care in Northern Ireland needs a 'joined-up approach'
The regional manager of nine nursing homes in Northern Ireland has voiced her frustration with the Department of Health over what she sees as a lack of progress towards reforming the country’s social care system. Linda Graham has called for more consistency and joined-up thinking in the system, arguing that nursing homes should be the… Continue reading Social care in Northern Ireland needs a 'joined-up approach'
Tourism tax: Fears schools might ditch Wales for trips in England
Concern has been raised that school trips to Wales could be at risk if a planned tourism tax is introduced. Scouts Cymru said the potential levy of £0.75 ($1) per child, per night, could mean low-income students miss out on camps and overnight stays. Meanwhile, a centre that provides residential courses for pupils from across… Continue reading Tourism tax: Fears schools might ditch Wales for trips in England
'I hired Banksy for £50 then painted over his mural'
Banksy is known worldwide for his unique style of urban art. Despite his popularity, very little is known about the enigmatic artist. Recently, Peter de Boer, a senior youth worker for a deprived area of Bristol, has given the BBC an insight into the artist behind the murals. He invited Banksy to work with young… Continue reading 'I hired Banksy for £50 then painted over his mural'
Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury
The Treasury is currently the part of the British government generating the most political heat, with much of the attention focused on the former Economic Secretary, Tulip Siddiq. Siddiq was responsible for the anti-corruption drive, but was herself named in a corruption investigation. The inquiry, which was launched by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, is examining allegations… Continue reading Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury
Fix Send now or risk a 'lost generation' of children, MPs warn
MPs have issued a warning over the future of the UK’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, which they claim is in a state of “disarray”. A highly critical report published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for an urgent overhaul of the SEND system, stating that action must be taken to… Continue reading Fix Send now or risk a 'lost generation' of children, MPs warn
Newspaper headlines: Kate's 'relief to be in remission' and 'Siddiq quits'
The Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Sun, and Metro all lead with the news that Catherine, Princess of Wales has announced she is in remission following cancer treatment. On Tuesday, the princess visited the Royal Marsden hospital, where she thanked staff and hugged patients. The Daily Express reports that the princess is now “looking forward to… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: Kate's 'relief to be in remission' and 'Siddiq quits'
Mental health: 'Taking anti-depressants helped me flourish'
The Welsh mental health organization, Mind Cymru has called for urgent action to address the root causes of poor mental health. The initiative was triggered by a staggering increase in the number of anti-depressant prescriptions across Wales. In 2022-23, more than seven million prescriptions were given as compared to 2.1 million back in 2002-03. Seven… Continue reading Mental health: 'Taking anti-depressants helped me flourish'
'Accelerating' A9 dualling would not cut project time
Transport Scotland has rejected plans to speed up upgrades to the A9 motorway over concerns that it could disrupt the current timetable. The proposed £3bn dual carriageway project is set to extend from Inverness to Perth. About 77 miles still require improvement, with two sections, totalling 11 miles, having been completed over the past decade.… Continue reading 'Accelerating' A9 dualling would not cut project time
Chair of miscarriages of justice review body quits
The chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Helen Pitcher, has resigned following criticism of the agency’s handling of the Andy Malkinson case. Mr Malkinson spent 17 years in jail for a rape he did not commit, but the CCRC twice rejected his submissions that he was innocent. The first of two independent reviews into… Continue reading Chair of miscarriages of justice review body quits