Millions of people will see their wages rise on April 1, when new minimum wage rates come into force in England. Basic rate workers will get a 2.2% increase, Rishi Sunak said, with the National Living Wage rising to £8.91 an hour. For the first time, the government's highest rate will also include those aged 23 and over - workers who previously fell under the lower wage bracket. This means 23 and 24-year-olds who are currently on £8.20 an hour will see their pay jump by 71p to £8.91 next month. However, the increase is a U-turn on the 49p an hour promised last March. It equates to a pay rise of just 19p an hour for basic-rate workers - the majority of whom have already taken a 20% hit over the past year due to mandatory furlough. It comes as the current Universal Credit total sits at 6million. Unions accused the Chancellor of "letting down" thousands of vulnerable people who are trapped in financial hardship. "Workers on the national minimum wage - not least the two … [Read more...] about Budget 2021: Minimum wage to rise for workers in April – see how your pay is changing
85 000 salary take home pay
Man Utd and Tottenham WILL have home advantage for Europa League ties as Uefa give them green light to host second-legs
TOTTENHAM and Manchester United have got the green light from Uefa to play next week’s Europa League last-32 second legs on home soil. But Tottenham ’s Austrian opponent Wolfsberger will have to make an indirect flight both ways to avoid quarantining when they return home. Jose Mourinho ’s men will play the first leg in Budapest on Thursday after quarantine-free travel into Austria from the UK was banned. Similar restrictions mean United ’s first leg against Real Sociedad will be played in Turin rather than in the Basque country. But unlike Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side, Spurs and United will be able to host next week’s matches. The Gunners will play both legs against Portuguese giants Benfica on neutral soil - in Rome and then Piraeus. Spurs' opponents Wolfsberger, though, will have to travel to London via Slovenia, to get round Austrian restrictions. And while there are quarantine rules for travel between the UK and Spain, because Sociedad will have spent … [Read more...] about Man Utd and Tottenham WILL have home advantage for Europa League ties as Uefa give them green light to host second-legs
Budget 2021: Royal wedding dressmaker still fears losing home after business devastated
A businesswoman who embroidered two royal wedding gowns fears losing her home after receiving little Government help. Chloe Savage's business has been devastated by coronavirus lockdowns and she has vowed to never vote Tory again. The expert needleworker embroidered wedding dresses for both Meghan Markle 's wedding to Prince Harry and Kate Middleton's nuptials with Prince William. The wedding industry has been in despair as ceremonies were cancelled during the year of restrictions. Ms Savage, 43, worked on the Duchesses' wedding gowns - including Kate’s blue silk and white lace garter. She says she fears losing her home after being given almost no support from the Government since the start of the pandemic. The needleworker, who was recently admitted to hospital with Covid, said she had received only a £1,000 Government grant in November. Follow the latest Budget 2021 news and updates live here The amount barely covered her business running costs for two … [Read more...] about Budget 2021: Royal wedding dressmaker still fears losing home after business devastated
British & Irish Lions move step closer to ‘home’ tour against South Africa
The British and Irish Lions moved a step closer to a ‘home’ tour after Boris Johnson announced plans for sporting crowds to return by the summer. Switching matches away from South Africa, where eight fixtures are scheduled for July and August, would be unprecedented in the history of rugby's greatest touring team. But it has emerged as the most attractive option following the unveiling of the Government’s "roadmap" for easing Covid restrictions in England. The Prime Minister said crowds of 10,000 could be permitted in 40,000-plus capacity venues after May 17, with a view to all restrictions being lifted on June 21. That would pave the way for normal service to resume at Wimbledon, The Open golf at Sandwich, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and England’s cricket series with Pakistan (ODI) and India. The Lions won’t make a decision before next month and insist every option remains on the table, not least as it is unclear whether the English roadmap will be followed by … [Read more...] about British & Irish Lions move step closer to ‘home’ tour against South Africa
Space NK create Mother’s Day beauty box worth over £150 but yours for £85
Struggling with what to buy your mum for Mother’s Day on the 14th March, or perhaps you want to treat someone else or yourself to a little treat? Well Space NK have created a gorgeous, limited edition beauty box - filled with six incredible products. The Essential Box for Her contains a thoughtful edit of mood-boosting home fragrance, skincare saviours and a makeup must have. Now the box is worth £156 but you can get it for £85 - saving you £71. How good is that? We think this edit is a perfect gift to yourself, ideal for Mother’s Day, or to simply let a friend know that you are thinking of them. This limited edition box won’t be around for long so get it whilst you can. We’ve listed below exactly what The Essential Box for Her contains, so you can see what you’ll be getting. The Essential Box for Her contains: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, 118ml A lightweight liquid exfoliator that gently lifts away dead skin and helps to promote a … [Read more...] about Space NK create Mother’s Day beauty box worth over £150 but yours for £85