National
Loophole allowing drivers to escape punishment for using mobile phone closes
New legislation means making phone calls and texting are not the only functions banned when behind the wheel.
InYourArea
National
Covid-19 hospital admission rate for over-75s highest since early 2021
Dr Susan Hopkins, HSA chief medical adviser, said the figures were “a reminder to us all that the pandemic is not over”.
National
P&O admits breaking law over 800 sudden sackings
Peter Hebblethwaite, whose basic annual salary is £325,000, revealed that the average hourly pay of the new crew is only £5.50.
National
Government did not adequately record decisions on Covid contracts – watchdog
The NAO found that 60% of the total value of the contracts (£463.5 million) was awarded directly without competition, under emergency procurement rules.
National
Vet shares signs of spring allergies to watch for in your dog
Sean McCormack, Head Vet at tails.com has shared the signs of seasonal allergies in dogs
National
Teacher who fled Kharkiv sets up Ukrainian-speaking school for child refugees
“When you are a refugee you come to a new place and you feel really overwhelmed, so they are thankful for these classes.”
National
Retailers suffer ‘poor’ March as online sales slump and cost of living rises
“Retailers had a mediocre March, with sales reported as being below seasonal norms."
National
Lack of low-income support pushes 1.3 million into poverty, think tank says
Analysis from the Resolution Foundation said Mr Sunak’s measures do not meet the scale of the cost-of-living squeeze, with 1.3 million Britons set to fall below the poverty line next year
National
Professor Sir Chris Whitty urges people to get on their bikes
Sir Chris raised concerns that many aspects of public health had “either trodden water or gone backwards” over the last two years
National
Early warm weather may wreak havoc with hay fever symptoms, survey suggests
Pollen levels could spike across the UK
National
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland announces 60 branches to close - see full list
The branches are thought to employ 124 people, but Lloyds said it would try to find affected staff new roles within the company.
National
Free Covid tests scaled back as deadline nears
There has been confusion within the NHS as to whether tests will still be free for staff.