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Monthly pay does not cover basic outgoings, with many having to drive taxis, clean and do bar work in their spare timeTeachers are being forced to take second jobs, including driving taxis, bar work and private tutoring, in order to pay bills and eat, headteachers and unions warned last week.The NASUWT teachers’ union has found that one in 10 teachers now have a second or even third job because their teaching pay doesn’t cover their monthly outgoings. With teachers resorting to school food banks, heads are warning that the recent 5% pay rise will still leave many unable to manage basic living costs. Continue reading...

Ballots for industrial action are under way or planned in sectors covering firefighters, teachers, civil servants and othersThe NHS faces the threat of coordinated industrial action lasting several months, with results to be announced within days of strike ballots of ambulance crews and about 300,000 health workers.Junior doctors, paramedics, midwives, porters, cleaners, pharmacy technicians and physiotherapists are being balloted across the NHS. The government now faces the threat of waves of strikes across the public sector, from nurses and firefighters to civil servants and teachers. Continue reading...

A year after the Owen Paterson scandal led to promises of stricter control, politicians have earned £5m from work on the sideMPs are making more than ever from second jobs despite promises from the government to clamp down on the practice, one year on from the Owen Paterson scandal, an Observer investigation has found.Of the 129 MPs who made more than £2,000 from outside income between October 2021 and September 2022, 86 – including the former attorney general Geoffrey Cox – either earned more or the same amount than in the previous year. Continue reading...

Campaigners alarmed by reports of scarlet fever outbreaksThe physical and mental health of Ukrainian refugees living on ships in Glasgow and Edinburgh – branded “floating refugee camps” – are being put in danger, amid reports of residents being quarantined with scarlet fever.A man told the Observer that he and his son had spent a week inside a cabin on board MS Ambition earlier this month after the young child was diagnosed with the highly contagious bacterial infection. Continue reading...

Companies advertise products to women searching online for folic acid to get around marketing restrictionsWomen trying for a baby are being targeted by formula milk companies on social media even before they have become pregnant, a World Health Organization scientist has said.Formula milk brands use online shopping and search data to detect when someone is planning a baby, said Dr Nigel Rollins, of the department of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health at the WHO. Continue reading...

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Rainbow on the Plains festival celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with colour, a parade and Australia’s largest human rainbow

Findings come amid mounting evidence that the poorest people in the UK are paying a ‘poverty premium’ for basic servicesMillions of households will be paying almost a third of their income in fuel costs this spring, amid warnings that a “black hole in provision” remains for Britain’s poorest families.The vast majority of households in some vulnerable groups – including some 70% of pensioners – will be spending a tenth or more of their income on fuel from April, when support for energy costs will be reduced. Continue reading...

Court battle over noise complaint will decide future of famous music club, which has hosted Johnny Marr, the Charlatans, Arctic Monkeys and Ed SheeranThe closure of Manchester’s Night & Day cafe would be “devastating” for the area and kill its image as a music city, council chiefs have been warned, before a crucial court battle that threatens the future of the famous venue.Many of the biggest names in British music have graced the Night & Day stage in its 31-year history, including Johnny Marr, the Charlatans, Arctic Monkeys and Ed Sheeran. Continue reading...

Kim is joined by young daughter on inspection of his forces, increasing speculation that he is paving way for next generation of Kim dynastyKim Jong-un has said North Korea intends to have the world’s most powerful nuclear force as the leader was again pictured with his daughter while inspecting troops and an intercontinental ballistic missile.North Korea’s “ultimate goal is to possess the world’s most powerful strategic force, the absolute force unprecedented in the century”, Kim said in an order promoting dozens of military officers involved in the launch last weekend of a new ballistic missile, state media reported on Sunday. Continue reading...

Greens’ high hopes evaporate as prepoll vote comes in; leader Samantha Ratnam turns attention to Legislative Council

Driver charged with offences including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm

Predecessor should be ‘embarrassed’ by the Bell report into secret ministries saga, PM says

Premier puts Labor’s electoral success down to listening to the community rather than partisan commentary

Force says the 25-year-old constable’s employment status is under review

Candidate issues stark warning that party must do more to attract voters under 40 or ‘we will die in Victoria’

Agreement struck with key independent boosts safeguards for small and medium businesses

The striker’s winner resuscitated Australia’s World Cup campaign – and his gesture to son Jaxson symbolised his personal sacrificeMitchell Duke knew he was going to score against Tunisia. He’d told his family as much before the game, and also let his coach know he would soon join the small group of Socceroos to score at a World Cup. Just to be sure, he did some prep work with his son, Jaxson, teaching him how to make a letter J with his fingers.When the striker fulfilled his prophecy on Saturday, netting the winner to resuscitate Australia’s campaign, he turned to where his family sat in the Al Janoub Stadium stands and made the J sign they had practised. He didn’t know it at the time but Jaxson, who was wearing his dad’s No 15 jersey, made the same signal right back. Continue reading...

Met police investigating whether two killings, believed to have happened at about same time, are linkedTwo 16-year-old boys have died after being stabbed a mile apart from each other on the same afternoon, police said.The teenagers were attacked in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, and Titmuss Avenue in Thamesmead, south-east London. Continue reading...

Greens look likely to gain at least one seat and outperform expectations in a number of other electorates

Liam Smith’s family said he was ‘the most devoted dad, much-loved son, brother, grandson and uncle’Grieving relatives have paid tribute to a man who was found on a street with a “potentially hazardous” substance on his body.Liam Smith’s body was discovered on a residential street at about 7pm on Thursday in Shevington, a suburb of Wigan, Greater Manchester. Continue reading...

Until a fuel efficiency standard is introduced, supply will be prioritised to Europe, the US and the UK

Analysis by the Observer raises questions over whether policing is fit for purpose and will put more pressure on the home secretary• Read more: ‘In Gloucester, young boys are carrying weapons’Half the English police forces inspected since last year are failing to meet required standards at investigating crime, according to analysis by the Observer that raises questions over whether policing is fit for purpose.The findings will pile renewed pressure on the home secretary, Suella Braverman, who has told police leaders she “expects” them to cut crimes including murder by 20%, without detailing how, as part of her “back to basics approach”. Continue reading...

Ukraine’s president calls on local government officials to do more as power cuts leave population vulnerable to the elementsMy colleague Charlotte Higgins has written a feature on how Ukrainian artists have been weaponising their work to mount a cultural resistance, in defiance of Putin’s plan to eradicate Ukraine’s sense of identity and history.The head of Ukraine’s presidential administration said on Saturday that Russia would answer for a Soviet-era famine that left millions of Ukrainians dead during the winter of 1932-33. Continue reading...

Yusuf Ahmed died after a tonsil infection spread to his lungs and caused multiple organ failureA hospital trust in South Yorkshire has opened an investigation after the family of a five-year-old said he died after being turned away by doctors because there were no available beds.Yusuf Ahmed died on Monday after a tonsil infection had spread to his lungs and caused multiple organ failure. The boy had been taken to Rotherham general hospital by his uncle Zaheer Ahmed on 14 November with complaints of a sore throat. He had been prescribed antibiotics the previous day by his GP, but his condition had not improved. Continue reading...

Long-time presenter will share her thoughts on the Queen’s funeral in BBC festive schedule highlightThe turntables will be turned on Kirsty Young this Christmas Day, the BBC has revealed, when the former Desert Island Discs presenter is to be asked to choose eight of her favourite pieces of music as a castaway on the famous show.Young, who has marooned almost 500 other guests on the fictional island in her time, revealed this weekend that she found it strange to be at the other end of the famous Radio 4 format: “It was a slightly discombobulating and thoroughly enjoyable experience,” she said, adding: “Although making anyone narrow down their favourite discs to just eight is frankly unreasonable. It’ll never catch on.” Continue reading...

Exclusive: Linda Francois, whose son Jaden Francois-Esprit was bullied in Wembley, says culture must changeThe mother of a firefighter whose death triggered a review into the culture at the London fire brigade, has welcomed the findings of a damning report.However, Linda Francois, whose son Jaden Francois-Esprit killed himself in August 2020, said that much remained to be done and making real changes in the workplace for people like her son was what really mattered.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org. Continue reading...

Richard Drax reported to have visited Caribbean island for meeting on next steps, including plans for former sugar plantationThe government of Barbados is considering plans to make a wealthy Conservative MP the first individual to pay reparations for his ancestor’s pivotal role in slavery.The Observer understands that Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, recently travelled to the Caribbean island for a private meeting with the country’s prime minister, Mia Mottley. A report is now before Mottley’s cabinet laying out the next steps, which include legal action in the event that no agreement is reached with Drax. Continue reading...

Island near Naples was engulfed by heavy rain, causing a landslide that flooded homes and swept away carsA woman has died and 10 people are missing after a severe storm triggered a landslide on the Italian island of Ischia.The island, in the Gulf of Naples, was engulfed by heavy rain overnight, with the landslide hitting the hamlet of Casamicciola Terme early on Saturday morning, flooding homes and sweeping away several cars. Continue reading...

Sulav Khadka was interrogated and held in custody despite providing proof of his place and financesAn international student who flew to the UK to take up a university scholarship was detained at the border and held in custody for 12 days after being unable to answer detailed questions about his course.Sulav Khadka said he felt as though he had been “treated like a criminal” by Border Force officers who accused him of being a fake student after he landed at Manchester airport in October. The 23-year-old, from Nepal, had a valid visa, proof of his university place and paperwork showing he had paid his first year’s fees in full. But, on arrival in the UK, he was interrogated about intricate details of his course, including being asked to list the titles of the six modules he would be studying. Continue reading...

Aboubacarr Drammeh says his wife Fatoumatta Hydara and two young children were set for a new lifeA man whose wife and two young daughters died in a fire in Nottingham had plans to relocate to America.Aboubacarr Drammeh, who turned 40 on Wednesday, paid tribute to his wife of eight years, Fatoumatta Hydara, and their daughters, Fatimah and Naeemah Drammeh, in a statement. Continue reading...

Home Office says follow-up PCR test was positive and they are offering vaccinations to people at the Kent facilityA man’s death at the Manston asylum centre may have been caused by a diphtheria infection, the Home Office has said.Initial tests at a hospital near the centre in Kent, which has struggled with overcrowding and outbreaks of disease, came back negative – but a follow-up PCR test was positive. Continue reading...

Nazir Afzal calls for national inquiry and says he has been contacted by NHS, BBC and police about issues they face

Fans believe the Samurai Blue are part of wave of teams changing the face of football after defeat of GermanyAfter Japan’s stunning victory over Germany in their opening match of the Qatar World Cup, fans of the Samurai Blue are daring to dream their team could reach the quarter-finals for the first time.Their remarkable comeback last week has electrified Japan, where hardcore and casual fans alike stayed up until midnight to watch their victory over the four-time world champions. Continue reading...

Labor’s win allows Andrews to reshape his legacy, with his third term allowing him to become the party’s longest-serving premier

Opposition leader Matthew Guy concedes the Coalition has ‘a lot of work to do’ after losing six of past seven elections

The re-elected government is on track to govern in its own right. This blog is now closed

Naples prefect says deaths yet to be confirmed and no bodies had been recovered after severe storm in Gulf of NaplesA number of people were feared dead with several missing, including a newborn child, after a severe storm triggered a landslide on the Italian island of Ischia.The island, in the Gulf of Naples, was engulfed by heavy rain overnight, with the landslide hitting the hamlet of Casamicciola Terme early on Saturday morning, flooding homes and sweeping away several cars. Continue reading...

RMT boss, Mick Lynch, hailed ‘historic result’ after cleaner members of the union vote in favour of actionCleaners will become the latest set of rail staff to strike over pay, after more than 1,000 who are members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted in support of taking industrial action.The RMT is asking for pay to rise to £15 an hour with improved pensions, company sick pay and holiday entitlement from private contractors including Churchill, Atalian Servest and Mitie. Continue reading...

Former DUP leader said it was ‘entirely responsible’ to support farmers who could lose out under post-Brexit subsidy rulesThe former leader of the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) has defended an attempt to water down the Northern Ireland protocol bill to make it more beneficial for farmers.Edwin Poots, who led the party for a month in 2021, wrote to the UK government in July last year saying the proposed bill would mean farmers in Northern Ireland would be subject to the same subsidy rules as the rest of the UK. Continue reading...

South Korea’s prosecutor says 78-year-old is accused of improperly touching a woman’s body in 2017The Squid Game actor O Yeong-su has been charged with sexual misconduct, South Korea’s prosecutor said.The 78-year-old in January became the first South Korean to win a Golden Globe award for best supporting actor in a series for his performance as a seemingly vulnerable old man in the mega-hit Netflix dystopian thriller. Continue reading...

China issue sidelined in local votes that will shed light on the major parties’ fortunes ahead of the 2024 presidential electionVoters headed to the polls across Taiwan on Saturday in a closely watched local election that will determine the strength of the major political parties ahead of the 2024 presidential election.Taiwanese citizens are picking their mayors, city council members and other local leaders in all 13 counties and the six major cities. There’s also a referendum to lower the voting age from 20 to 18. Continue reading...

More than 6m Ukrainian households still without power; EU to boost efforts to restore electricity and heating; Hungarian president to meet Zelenskiy

Chamonix pledges to slow lifts during less busy times, and Val Thorens will reduce heating levels in buildings and limit use of snow cannonsSki resort managers in the French Alps are scrambling to find ways to conserve energy as part of a national effort to reduce consumption, with about half the resorts also bracing for power bills to be three to six times higher than in prior years.In Chamonix, close to Switzerland, if there is no crowd, the lift will go 10% slower. And if the resort gets an alert that power supplies cannot meet demand, Chamonix will slow the lifts by 30%. Continue reading...

‘We’re now seeing that the system is not able to cope with climate change,’ insurance analyst says

Ban linked to World Cup hosts’ human rights record taken as message ‘Qatari business not welcome in London’, source tells FTQatar is reviewing its investments in London after the city’s transport authority banned the country’s adverts on buses, taxis and underground trains, it was reported.The move by Transport for London (TfL) is understood to be linked to concerns about the World Cup hosts’ human rights record, stance on homosexuality and treatment of migrant workers. Continue reading...

Legislation had to be changed to permit public nudity on the beach

Susie Green is stepping down amid intense public scrutiny of charity in recent monthsThe chief executive of Mermaids, Susie Green, has left the transgender children’s charity after six years in her post, the organisation announced on Friday.In a statement posted on the charity’s website, the chair of trustees, Belinda Bell, wrote: “The trustees are very grateful to Susie for everything she has done over the last six years to support trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people and their families, and to build Mermaids into the organisation it is today. We wish her all the best for the future.” Continue reading...

Airport will introduce CT scanners in all lanes by April, removing need to take items out of luggagePassengers will be able to leave laptops and liquids in their hand luggage when passing through security at London City airport from next year.The hub is trialling one security lane equipped with advanced baggage scanners and plans to introduce the machines in all of its lanes by April. Continue reading...