Makes its voice heard

Desperate students selling sex to make ends meet are behind a surge of pleas for help to the “prostitutes’ union”. The English Collective of Prostitutes said calls to its helpline from young people at university and college have risen by a third in 2021. And the campaigning group has seen a surge in the numbers selling sex since lockdowns sent student finances into freefall. Many sell explicit pictures of themselves on sites like OnlyFans as traditional bar and shop jobs have dried up. Now as many as eight students a day are calling for support and advice. And some universities are publishing guides on how to safely sell your body. Laura Watson, a spokeswoman for the group, said: “We have seen a significant increase in students going into prostitution as tuition fees have increased. “Some women in our group are working to pay off debts of £30,000 plus. “Since the pandemic a lot of women have been getting in touch starting sex work. “Jobs in shops and pubs, that … [Read more...] about Desperate students turn to sex and OnlyFans after lockdown kills pub and shop jobs

Here’s a different kind of plague, one that hits your wealth rather than health. It’s the torrent of scam savings comparison websites – and the host carrier is Google Ads. Fighting them doesn’t need a lockdown, but it does need a clampdown by the internet giant and the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority. These adverts are impossible to avoid if you search online for ways of investing. I put “good ISA rates” into Google and one of the first hits was for www.sterling-isa.com. While some clearly dodgy adverts offer ludicrous interest rates of 18% or 20%, this one mentioned 2.5%, a crafty amount as it is temptingly higher than current usual ISA rates but not so implausible as to make you suspicious. Sterling-ISA promised: “100% capital protection is guaranteed when investing with FCA-regulated companies” and carries the logos of some of the big players – Santander, Nationwide, Post Office Money and Virgin Money. But are savers who use this site really directed to … [Read more...] about Scamming with impunity: the fraudulent investment comparison websites promoted through Google Ads

A fourth Coronavirus jab could be approved for use in Britain within days – as the vaccine programme gears up to include people in their 40s. The health regulator will make a decision on the single-dose Janssen vaccine in the next ten days, according to The Mail on Sunday. The Government has already put in an order for 30 million doses, and the new jab could provide a boost to the UK's vaccine programme. There have been warnings that the pace of the first-dose rollout would slow a little this month after delayed shipments and as more people begin to receive their second doses. But one big advantage of the Janssen jab is that it only requires a single injection. The vaccine, made by the Belgian pharmaceutical firm Janssen (owned by Johnson & Johnson) can also be stored at regular fridge temperature. The renewed pace of the programme means jabs will soon be offered to the under-50s, it has been reported. The news comes as lockdown measures begin to ease further. … [Read more...] about One-dose Janssen Covid vaccine ‘days from approval’ with rollout to reach people in 40s

Prince William has echoed his father Prince Charles in urging global leaders to act now and preserve the natural world for future generations as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis. The Duke of Cambridge issued a rallying cry to the world to protect the planet and tackle climate change. Ahead of the UK becoming the host nation for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November, William said: “This is crucial if our children and grandchildren are to live sustainably on our precious planet.” The strong message is future evidence that William, 38, is emerging as a serious campaigner on the world stage in support of the Prince of Wales. Celebrating 50 years of campaigning this year, Charles in January launched his most ambitious project to date, creating a £7.5billion fund to save the planet from destruction. What is your view? Have your say in the comment section The scheme is part of his groundbreaking ‘Terra Carta’ agreement, aimed at … [Read more...] about Prince William backs dad Charles on world stage in post-Covid rallying cry