89 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

89 minutes ago Passengers on 'Harry Potter' Jacobite steam train 'dreaded' return journey

Photos of West Highland scenery ruined by “filthy” windows

Politics

89 minutes ago Celtic Invincible's pain at missing Parkhead return as he warns Club Brugge are on for a Champions League shock

Former Hoops Dedryck Boyata is now with Brugge and admits Celtic stint was best of his career.

Events

2 hours ago Haiti wonders what's next as gang violence surges and UN peacekeeping mission flops

When Kenyan police arrived in Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed mission earlier this year to quell gang violence, hopes were high

Events

2 hours ago The satanic sex cult in a quiet village where children where subjected to unspeakable acts

The man at the centre of a depraved sex cult which used their quiet seaside homes for the most unspeakable acts towards children could soon be freed from prison. This is the full story of what happened

Politics

3 hours ago Russia ‘aggressive’ and ‘reckless’ in cyber realm and threat to Nato, UK minister to warn

Pat McFadden will tell cyber summit that Russia ‘won’t think twice about targeting British businesses’ and danger to Nato must not be underestimatedRussia is “exceptionally aggressive and reckless in the cyber realm” and “no one should underestimate” the threat to Nato, a senior UK minister will warn in a speech on Monday.Pat McFadden, whose portfolio includes national security, will tell a Nato cybersecurity conference in London that Moscow “won’t think twice about targeting British businesses”, according to excerpts of his address released on Sunday by his ministry. Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago Parents in Wales are deciding if they buy Christmas presents for the children or heat their homes

'It is soul destroying'

Society

4 hours ago Man Utd news: Ruben Amorim delivers Marcus Rashord hint vs Ipswich and wants Roy Keane meeting

Ruben Amorim will hope to hit the ground running against Ipswich Town in his first match in charge of Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, and there is plenty going on at the club

Politics

5 hours ago Robbie Williams calls for music industry to create 'support group for young stars struggling with fame' after tragic death of Liam Payne aged 31

The Take That star, 50, said he hoped something would be done in Liam's name to 'protect people' as he opened up about his own difficulties navigating fame at a young age.

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