18 h. ago Pharmacy funding boost is a ‘step forward’ but still ‘falls short’, say leaders

The health department has announced that it has reached an agreement with Community Pharmacy England for a funding increase over two years.

Politics

59 h. ago Changing your clock? Scientists are only just beginning to understand what this does to us | Ruth Ogden

Our research in October showed that ‘falling back’ had a negative impact on women, especially mothers. Do we need to shift the way we think about time?Twice a year we change the clocks. For many it is not clear why and how this change affects us. So last October, with the help of the Guardian, a group of scientists at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Oxford conducted a nationwide survey to understand the impact on people’s daily lives.More than 12,000 people answered questions about their wellbeing, satisfaction with life and stress levels, completing the survey in the week before the clocks went back and again in the days immediately after. When we compared the responses, we found that women’s mental health and wellbeing suffered in the immediate aftermath of the clocks going back, while men experienced greater wellbeing and greater satisfaction with life. So what does this tell us about the way we experience time?Ruth Ogden is professor of the psychology of t...

Politics

61 h. ago Employers National Insurance: How April 2025 increase will impact you

The UK Government is making the move 'to help fix the foundations of the public finances and invest in public services', but experts warn that businesses could make moves to save money in other ways

Politics

2 d. ago Keir Starmer says he 'reserves the right' to retaliate against Donald Trump's tariffs

The Prime Minister said his Government was involved in ongoing discussions with the White House aimed at "mitigating the impact" of any levies but that ultimately "our national interest has to come first".

Politics

3 d. ago Reserves diminishing for Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership as financial pressures made clear

Finance chiefs sounded the alarm over financial sustainability of integration joint board as its budget passed.

Events

4 d. ago West Lothian cafe given reprieve despite 'running at £100K loss due to lack of customers'

West Lothian’s Integration Joint Board, which oversees social care, agreed to postpone plans to close the cafe in Bathgate's Rosemount Gardens as part of budget cuts.

Economics

5 d. ago Trump is offended by a painting of himself. For once, I get where he’s coming from | Dave Schilling

We all know what it’s like to be horrified by our own image. In the president’s case, he looks like a large baby in a suitWhile his friends are getting messy in the group chat, Donald Trump simply has more important things on his mind. Namely, himself. The United States’ war plans are being divulged to journalists like gossip on a second-rate Real Housewives spinoff, but the focus of the American president is squarely on a painting of himself that he doesn’t care for. Trump posted on Truth Social, his personal squawk box for various grievances, that he takes umbrage with a depiction of his face in the Colorado state capitol.The painting depicts Trump as full-faced, cherubic and without wrinkles. He almost looks younger, like a large baby in a suit. A boss baby, if you will. You might assume that at 78, Trump would jump at the chance to shave a few years off his face, but sadly, it seems he’d prefer to look like he was lit by the director of photography from Nosferatu. Continue readi...

Politics

7 d. ago £1.5m needed to plug budget hole left by halting East Renfrewshire social care fees

Introducing means-tested £20 per hour fees for non-residential care – which includes ‘social supports’ like help with shopping or going to the cinema – was planned to boost income.

Economics

7 d. ago Balanced budget to support sustainable health and social care in South Lanarkshire

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of the South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said essential services will be maintained and improved.

Economics

7 d. ago NHS plan will see funds allocated to social care, Health Secretary says

Wes Streeting suggested he will increase NHS spending on social care but did not say by how much.

Society

7 d. ago ‘Nobody found him in time’: how neglect and stress led to the deaths of a full

David Lodge died after being found next to his father and full-time carer Peter’s body. His sister Keri believes the strain of caring and lack of government support contributed to their deathsPeter Lodge devoted his life to his son, David. He cherished every moment with him, even when David’s condition left them effectively housebound. Right up until he was 74, Peter would sleep on the living room floor beside David’s hospital bed. Not once did he see his role as a burden.He was angry, though. He was angry at what he described as the “state exploitation” of family carers. Angry at the pittance paid in carer’s allowance to those giving up their lives to care for loved ones, propping up the UK’s ailing social care system in doing so. It was, he said, “insulting”. Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Average cost of pint of beer soars to over £5 due to higher costs

The warning was issued by pub bosses ahead of higher labour costs and a national insurance hike

Economics

9 d. ago Brexit a key factor in worst UK medicine shortages in four years, report says

Nuffield Trust says supply chains have shifted, with drugs for epilepsy and cystic fibrosis among those now scarceDrug shortages in the UK have risen to their worst level for four years, official figures show, with Brexit considered a key reason so many medications are scarce.Drug companies notified the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) about disruptions to supply 1,938 times during last year – the highest number since the 1,967 seen in 2021. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago Falkirk health and social care services brace for impact of National Insurance hike

Members of Falkirk's IJB heard that many private providers fear they won't survive the increase in costs

Politics

9 d. ago Concern as £21 million savings needed in Falkirk health and social care services

Staff and members of the public were thanked for their involvement as services were reviewed to save cash

Economics

1 week ago Plan to help charities facing National Insurance hike rejected

The Welsh Government thinks public sector employers will have to pay an extra £253m due to National Insurance changes

Politics

1 week ago University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire marks first year of 2024

Initiative aimed at helping older people across Lanarkshire maintain independence, good health and remain living comfortably at home for longer.

Politics

1 week ago A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis – Politics Weekly UK

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. This week, John Harris is in Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looks like, and whether it is too late to save this vital serviceWe know that not everyone can afford to pay for the news right now, but if you can, please choose to support the Guardian at http://theguardian.com/politicspod Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Staff praised as inspection of adult support and protection in Renfrewshire finds clear strengths

Carron O'Byrne, interim chief officer of the health and social care partnership, paid tribute to her team after the results.

Politics

1 week ago Paterson’s links to Covid test supplier ‘not a conflict’, Bethell tells inquiry

Lord Bethell’s role at the time involved overseeing the testing programme.

Events