Furlough not perfect but prevented mass unemployment, Sunak says
The former PM, who was chancellor during the crisis, says there was no “playbook” of how to respond to the pandemic. Source link
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World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026: Amy Hunt on empowering female athletes
Hunt’s stunning run for world silver came six years after she alerted the world to her potential as a record-breaking junior. But, between those headline moments, injuries disrupted the start of her senior career, including a ruptured quadriceps in 2022 – while attempting to manage an often frictional relationship between her sporting ambition and studies….
Robots trebled one warehouse's efficiency – What did it mean for jobs?
They can lift heavy boxes and climb shelves 12m high but will they put humans out of work? Source link
'Our heating oil's doubled in price in two weeks'
Lawrence Salvoni worries not only about the price he has to pay, but the security of his supply. Source link
UK weather: Warm settled weather set to continue into the weekend
From early next week, a change in wind direction will bring lower temperatures. A north-westerly wind will drag in some colder air with temperatures on Monday actually falling below average in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It will also temporarily turn more unsettled with an area of low pressure tracking across Scotland into Tuesday. This will…
Camden pregnancy payment to continue after trial
The scheme provides £500 to support low-income families welcoming a new baby in the London borough. Source link
Amazon Alexa’s UK personality to change with Echo AI update
“It will be interesting to see how users react to this – we expect this could be polarising, with some enjoying the more relaxed, familiar interactions while others may find it disconcerting,” said Jessica Miller, head of data insights at FDM/CCS Insight. Source link
South Africans say criminal gangs are exploiting the water crisis
Residents of some areas have been without mains water for weeks. Source link
Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?
Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023. Source link
How the Iran war has left Europe facing yet another energy crisis
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, said last week: “With the outbreak of the crisis in the Middle East, the issue of energy prices has clearly become even more important, which is why, at European level, we are also calling for the urgent suspension of the application of the ETS to electricity production.” Source link