Latest editorial
An elderly man holding a walking stick
THE increase in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will wipe out some essential services for vulnerable older people, Age UK says.
A survey by the charity, released today, estimates that the policy will cost its local groups £6.27 million this year, prompting staff cuts, increased charges on paid-for services and ultimately the closure of some services if they can no longer balance the books.
Employer NICs will rise from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent from April.
Roger McKenzie talks to general secretary of Unison CHRISTINA McANEA about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on members, the local government funding emergency and the threat of Reform UK
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE