Universal credit slashed

Back to work

The government’s plan to cut universal credit by £20 per week could drive 2.3 million people into debt, according to Citizens Advice. The amount cut corresponds to the Universal Credit top up introduced at the start of the pandemic. The plan is part of the government’s policy of “getting people into work” the Prime Minister said. Experts say that combined with rising energy prices and the end of the furlough scheme, many families will face hardship. The Joseph Rowtree Foundation has said the move would push 500,000 people below the poverty line.

Older homeowners stay put

Over 55s, three quarters of which own their home, are opting to stay put in their homes in response to new perspectives given by the pandemic. Legal & General Financial Advice estimates that less than one in four over 55s are planning to downsize their home, a smaller proportion than three years ago. This trend has exacerbated the housing supply crunch, which is the biggest we have seen since 2004.

Is Christmas cancelled?

Food sector chiefs have urged the government to relax immigration rules so some EU workers who have left the UK following Brexit can help fill gaps in the workforce. This comes following other supply chain issues caused by the “pingdemic”. Iceland’s boss warns that Christmas could be “cancelled” for some families this year as a result of the disruption. Other supermarket chiefs have indicated that empty shelves and limited choice would continue for the foreseeable future.

Deep down, everybody knew it

A recent Harvard study has indicated that “PowerPoint was rated (by online audiences) as no better than verbal presentations with no visual aids”. Another study, conducted by the University of New South Wales may offer an explanation. It found that showing audiences the same words that are being spoken reduces, rather than increases, audience comprehension.