Thousands of NHS staff to lose jobs after deal approved
Thousands of NHS administrative and managerial staff in England are set to lose their jobs after the Treasury approved a deal allowing the health service to overspend this year to fund redundancy costs. Earlier, the government confirmed that 18,000 roles would be cut as part of major reforms bringing NHS England back under the Department of Health and halving staff numbers in local Integrated Care Boards. The £1bn cost of pay-offs will be recovered in future years through expected savings, with ministers insisting no additional funding is being provided beyond existing spending plans. Health secretary Wes Streeting argued that patients and staff want bureaucracy reduced so frontline care can be prioritised, saying the reforms would help rebuild the NHS. Government estimates suggest the changes could save £1bn annually, enough to fund over 100,000 extra hip and knee operations. However, the Royal College of Nursing warned that losing expert staff risks harming patient care rather than improving it. NHS leaders have called the agreement 'pragmatic' but acknowledged the uncertainty and disruption facing affected workers.
Two-child benefit cap to be scrapped?
Keir Starmer has given his clearest indication yet that his government intends to scrap the two-child benefit cap, strongly suggesting the change will be included in the forthcoming 26 November Budget. He said he would not promise to drive down child poverty without being prepared to take 'a number of measures' to achieve it. His comments closely followed remarks from Rachel Reeves, who said it was wrong for children to be 'penalised' simply for being part of a larger family. Treasury sources described her comments as a deliberate 'signal of intent’, with ministers reportedly favouring a full removal of the cap rather than more limited alternatives. One estimate is that abolishing the cap would cost around £3.5bn by 2029/30. The move comes amid unease within Labour ranks over the party’s commitment not to raise income tax. Starmer insisted he was 'personally committed' to reducing child poverty, saying it was a defining achievement of the last Labour government and a priority he intends to pursue again. See
Seven charged with sex and drug offences in Bristol grooming case
Seven men aged 19 to 26 have been charged with more than forty sex and drug offences in a major grooming investigation in Bristol. The case involves alleged offences against eleven complainants between 2022 and 2025. The police began their inquiry in late 2023 after receiving a tip-off about the suspected exploitation of a teenage girl. Initial arrests were made last April, with the suspects later re-arrested in coordinated raids this week. The defendants face a wide range of charges, including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a child, and drug supply. They all appeared at Bristol magistrates’ court and were remanded in custody ahead of a hearing on 17 December. The police said that safeguarding victims is at the centre of the investigation, with support measures put in place. Prosecutors reminded the public that the men have the right to a fair trial and warned against sharing information that could prejudice proceedings.
Northern Ireland: Presbyterian Church moderator steps down over safeguarding failures
Rev Trevor Gribben, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, is stepping down after an internal review uncovered 'serious and significant' safeguarding failures across the denomination between 2009 and 2022. The Church admitted that individuals had been harmed or placed at risk due to systemic shortcomings in its central safeguarding functions. Failures included not responding adequately when victims sought help, failing to refer cases to statutory authorities, and allowing some known offenders to return to worship without proper monitoring. Rev Gribben apologised unreservedly, acknowledging that these failures occurred partly during his tenure as General Secretary, even though he was not directly responsible for safeguarding operations. Church convenor Rev David Bruce said record-keeping gaps and failures to follow the Church’s own guidance meant that not all cases have yet been identified. He said that their priority is to support those harmed and rebuild trust by strengthening safeguarding structures. The Church has urged anyone affected to come forward, assuring them they will now be listened to and responded to appropriately.
