More shoppers hit high streets and retail parks for late Christmas purchases Shoppers descended on UK high streets and retail parks to buy last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve, boosting retailers amid a challenging consumer backdrop. More shoppers visited shops and retail destinations compared with a year ago, according to early data. Figures from retail technology
More than a million expected to be working on Christmas Day More than one million people will be working on Christmas Day, often in low-paid jobs, according to new research. The TUC said official data showed that care workers, nurses and nursing auxiliaries/assistants and the clergy are usually the busiest occupations when most people have
King’s pilgrimage-themed Christmas message filmed in Westminster Abbey The King has chosen Westminster Abbey as the location for his Christmas broadcast, which will have the key theme of pilgrimage. Charles will deliver the fourth festive message of his reign on Christmas Day, and the second staged outside a royal residence. In the background of the
Pregnant women urged to get flu vaccine ‘as soon as possible’ Royal Colleges representing more than 90,000 health professionals have joined forces to urge pregnant women to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. NHS figures show that the number of people in hospital in England with flu continues to rise and remains at
Jofra Archer ruled out of Ashes tour as England dealt fresh blow England’s demoralising Ashes tour lurched to a fresh low as their player of the series, Jofra Archer, was ruled out with the latest in a long line of injuries. Archer will play no part in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne or the New
Baby boy who has spent the majority of his life in hospital home for Christmas A baby boy who has been in hospital for the majority of his life is preparing to spend his first Christmas at home after finally being discharged. Bertie Melly weighed just 1lb 10oz when he was born prematurely at 24
Man accused of drugging and raping ex-wife remanded into custody A man accused of drugging and raping his ex-wife over a 13-year period has been remanded into custody, with five other men due to appear in court over alleged sex offences against her. Philip Young spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and
Injured police officer wakes from coma after Bondi terror attack A police officer injured in the Bondi terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia has woken from a medically induced coma, his family said. New South Wales police constable Scott Dyson was one of two officers wounded when investigators allege Naveed Akram and his
Free prescriptions for youngsters leaving care in bid to tackle ‘barriers’ Young people leaving care will benefit from free prescriptions, as well as free dental and eye care, until their 25th birthday under new measures announced by the Government. Family doctors will also be alerted to children who are in care in a bid to
Christmas Eve set to be busiest day in 2025 for ATM withdrawals, says Link Christmas Eve will be the busiest day for cash machines in 2025, with nearly £370 million set to be withdrawn on December 24, ATM and cash access network Link predicts. On average, people making ATM withdrawals on December 24 are expected