87 minutes ago UK jobcentres not fit for purpose, says Liz Kendall ahead of major reforms

The work and pensions secretary is to overhaul benefits system, pushing young people into work or educationBritain’s network of jobcentres has become a hollowed-out “benefit administration service” that is shunned by employers and jobseekers alike, a cabinet minister has warned before a government overhaul of out-of-work support that will oblige young people to take up education or employment.In an interview with the Observer, Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, warned that the nation’s 650 jobcentres are no longer “fit for purpose” and need to become hubs for those looking for work or a better position, as well as those dependent on welfare. Reforms to integrate the jobcentre network with healthcare and careers services in England will be unveiled this week, as part of a long...

Politics

87 minutes ago Crucial legal battle over the definition of a woman is one for our bizarre times

What was once regarded as a simple statement of fact is now characterised by some as an act of aggression

Events

2 hours ago UK wealth managers warn Reeves over plan to levy inheritance tax on pensions

AJ Bell boss tells chancellor that ‘complex and costly’ Budget proposal will ‘undermine’ retirement savings system

Events

5 hours ago Vladimir Putin could 'turn out the lights for millions of Brits' with advanced cyber attacks, minister says

Russia will 'not think twice' about 'turning the lights off for millions of people' by unleashing a wave of debilitating cyber attacks, senior Cabinet minister Pat MacFadden will warn Nato on Monday.

Politics

5 hours ago Ukraine war briefing: No ‘red lines’ when it comes to support for Ukraine, says French foreign minister

Jean-Noël Barrot tells the BBC Ukraine could fire French long-range missiles into Russia ‘in the logics of self defence’, but does not confirm if French weapons have already been used. What we know on day 1,005See all our Russia-Ukraine war coverage Continue reading...

Politics

5 hours ago SARAH VINE: Stockpiling tinned tuna won't save us from Armageddon. But I have ONE theory to stop us all from becoming consumed by terror

At the risk of seeming contrary, I can't get too wound up about the threat of World War III. I know it's awful but what's the point? If Putin launches a nuclear attack on Britain, what can I do? We'll all be toast.

Events

5 hours ago Health Minister accused of 'age discrimination' after telling pensioner he was not getting shingles vaccine because it would not make 'optimal use of NHS resources'

The jab - which greatly reduces the chances of developing the viral skin condition - is offered to everyone when they turn 65 as well as those aged between 70 and 80.

Politics

5 hours ago Minister confirms talks under way to return surviving Bali Nine members to Australia

Five remaining members would continue to serve sentences upon returning under proposal, trade minister Don Farrell saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTalks are under way to return members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling ring to Australia, the federal trade minister has confirmed, saying they would continue to serve their sentences and not be released.The Australians were arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle heroin out of the Indonesian resort island.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Politics

5 hours ago Parents of surviving Bali Nine inmates ‘quietly hopeful’ as minister confirms talks under way to return them to Australia

Five remaining members would continue to serve sentences upon returning under proposal, trade minister Don Farrell saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe parents of the surviving Bali Nine members are “quietly hopeful” their children will be repatriated to Australia in a deal with the Indonesian government, according to a pastor who has been in close contact with them for 20 years.The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, raised their repatriation during a meeting with the Indonesian president, Prabowo Subianto, on the sidelines of the Apec summit in Peru last week. Senior Australian ministers have confirmed negotiations between the two nations are ongoing.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email C...

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