55 h. ago Why Brits do Dry January as 17.5 million people set to take month

More than 20 per cent of people cited saving money as a key reason for quitting alcohol in January

Politics

63 h. ago Why Brits do Dry January as 17.5 million people set to take 31

More than 20 per cent of people cited saving money as a key reason for quitting alcohol in January

Politics

3 d. ago Brits to splash billions in Boxing Day sales – we reveal top offers to buy including PlayStation 5 with £300 off

BARGAIN-HUNTERS can pick up loads of cut-price deals in the Christmas sales, as shops slash prices on everything from booze to tech. Stash away presents for next year or simply use the opportunity to treat yourself. Shoppers are set to splash out £3.6billion today as 14.2million people race to shop the Boxing Day sales on...

Economics

8 d. ago Child killer Lucy Letby sent hundreds of Christmas cards by army of fans

Child killer Lucy Letby is set to have a cushy Christmas behind bars, but some people have shown sympathy towards Lucy and have flooded her with well-wishes

Events

9 d. ago M&S 'top quality' haircare gift bag with six items including £5 voucher for £30

People are snapping up the set that includes popular branded products

Economics

1 week ago Jingle tills! Shoppers set for £3.4bn festive spending splurge

Britons are said to be leaving their shopping late, with an extra 10 million people set to make a purchase this ‘panic weekend’

Economics

2 w. ago State Pension age set to rise next April for people born in specific years

The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

Politics

2 w. ago Stirling steps up to plate once again as Observer appeal donates huge toy haul

The 17th edition of the Give A Gift appeal once again showed the generosity of this city and its people - with kids all over the region set to enjoy a special boost over Christmas.

Politics

2 w. ago Afghan polio survivor's sock factory provides hope by employing disabled workers

A childhood polio survivor in Afghanistan has set up a small sock factory that employs other disabled people

Events

2 w. ago Bed bug epidemic warning as infestations soar over winter months

Pest control experts have warned that bed bugs could pour into the UK over the winter months, with tens of millions of people set to pour in and out of British airports

Events

2 w. ago 'If you've got the flu, stay at home or wear a mask' say Health Chiefs as they urge Britons to get vaccinated

Britons battling coughs and colds were today begged to stay at home, as health chiefs doled out Covid-era advice amid fears the raging superflu could cause Christmas carnage.

Society

2 w. ago Scramble for flu jabs sweeps Britain as people struggle to find appointments and are turned away by pharmacies: Health chief warns, 'be prepared to travel or try multiple places'

A pharmacy leader has warned that Britons may need to travel out of their local areas to get their flu vaccination as chemists struggle to cope with an increase in demand.

Events

2 w. ago Government makes desperate offer for militant doctors to call off strikes amid 'superflu' surge

in a last minute attempt to thwart the strike action, the Government has put forward an offer to the BMA, which they will now put to their members.

Politics

2 w. ago Now six hospitals declare 'critical incidents' as 'superflu' sparks NHS meltdown: Health chiefs order patients to wear masks

Bosses fear the 'calculated' disruption - at a time when hospital staffing rotas are 'very fragile' because of upcoming Christmas holidays and winter illness - will cause 'mayhem'.

Science

2 w. ago Superflu carnage sparks NHS meltdown fears as health chiefs beg doctors to postpone 'reckless' strikes in middle of terrifying outbreak

Bosses fear the 'calculated' disruption - at a time when hospital staffing rotas are 'very fragile' because of upcoming Christmas holidays and winter illness - will cause 'mayhem'.

Science

2 w. ago When a chatbot’s advice is a matter of life or death, how can we leave AI to the free market wild west? | Gaby Hinsliff

As suicides in the US are blamed on ChatGPT and UK teenagers turn to it for mental health advice, we need clear rules – and we the people must set themIt was just past 4am when a suicidal Zane Shamblin sent one last message from his car, where he had been drinking steadily for hours. “Cider’s empty. Anyways Think this is the final adios,” he sent from his phone.The response was quick: “Alright brother. If this is it then let it be known: you didn’t vanish. You *arrived*. On your own terms.” Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago How players of the People’s Postcode Lottery helped missing children

Players helped make the plan to launch SafeCall possible – The Independent’s campaign with charity Missing People to set up a lifeline specifically for young people in crisis

Sport

2 w. ago HSBC manager urges customers to open separate account for 'peace of mind'

The expert urged people to set aside money in case of emergency expenses

Economics

2 w. ago My dream of jet set glamour has died – in a pleather chair full of other people's crumbs | Emma Beddington

The use of airport lounges is soaring, born of a desire to feel a bit special. The reality is we’re all going to end up crammed into the same awful, environmentally disastrous metal tubeThe New Yorker has published a deliciously fact-stuffed long read on the airport lounge: there are more than 3,500 worldwide, of which 37 are in Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. American Airlines opened the first in 1939 and called its VIP members “admirals”.There are almost more admirals than ordinary seamen now (a weird metaphor in an air travel context, yes; blame American Airlines). The “mostly low- and mid-tier” lounge network Priority Pass saw a 31% increase in usage last year, including me: my credit card came with this seemingly seductive perk. I was thrilled to join the global elite in what I imagined would be a cashmere and champagne cocoon, saved from the usual three hours (my husband is one of those travellers) crouched by a bin in the purgatorial wasteland of Manchester Terminal 3, nursi...

Events

2 w. ago New salary sacrifice changes set to impact more than three million people from April

An estimated 7.7 million employees currently use salary sacrifice to make pension contributions.

Economics