Labour ditches day-one protection from unfair dismissal in U-turn

Paul Givan has instructed schools in Northern Ireland to continue teaching religious education based on 'holy scriptures' despite a recent court ruling that deemed the Christian-focused curriculum unlawful. This directive follows a legal judgment that challenges the appropriateness of the current religious education framework in the region.

The UK government has decided to abandon its initial plan to allow workers to claim unfair dismissal from their first day of employment, opting instead for a six-month threshold. This change follows a negotiation between major business groups and trade union leaders, marking a significant shift in Labour's approach to employment rights.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the UK Budget for 2025, which includes a £26 billion tax increase and increased welfare spending aimed at addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis. This budget is a significant move for the Labour government as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of citizens facing economic challenges.

A concerning trend has emerged as young care leavers are facing an increase in homelessness, prompting warnings from campaigners about the growing severity of the issue. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of this demographic as they transition out of care and into independent living.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the removal of tax breaks on insurance and advance payments for high-end Motability cars as part of the recent UK budget. This decision has sparked concerns among users of the Motability scheme, who feel judged for their vehicle choices amidst rising living costs.

Sally Rooney's books may face withdrawal from sale in the UK due to a court ruling regarding the government's classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Rooney has expressed her intention to use royalties from her work to support Palestine Action, which has sparked legal challenges against the ban.

Provisional figures indicate that net migration to the UK has sharply declined to 204,000 in the year ending June 2025, reflecting a significant drop in arrivals for work and study. This trend marks a notable shift in the UK's immigration landscape, which has been under scrutiny since Brexit.

A catastrophic fire erupted in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, leading to at least 83 confirmed fatalities and approximately 279 individuals reported missing. Firefighters have been engaged in ongoing rescue operations as the situation continues to develop, with many residents still unaccounted for.