thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Driver slammed for travelling with his dog on lap while behind the wheel

A driver has been slammed for travelling with a dog on his lap while behind the wheel .
Fellow motorist Jason Danks spotted the driver 's canine companion peeking over the steering wheel while the car was in motion in Barnstaple , Devon .
Jason was so shocked , he asked his son to take a photo of the bizarre situation at some traffic lights .
He claims the driver then pulled away with the dog still on their lap , reports Devon Live .
`` I 'd just turned out of the estate where B & M is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told DevonLive .
`` I looked in my rear-view mirror to see the dog standing up on the wheel looking out the front window at me .
`` I was so angry seeing this as it is totally unacceptable and could endanger life .
`` The worst part is there was a passenger who could have been holding the dog .
`` I got my son to take picture of it .
This was at 1.05pm today sitting at the Newport traffic lights . ''
After posting the image on North Devon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Even though the picture was taken at the lights , the dog was standing fully up on the steering wheel while they were driving . ''
Other people seemed as frustrated as Jason at the situation .
`` Dogs should be secured in a vehicle , '' commented one person .
Another said : `` What !
!
!
That ’ s crazy !
Idiot !
! ''
`` Hope you have a picture of the number plate .
This is so unacceptable , '' said a third .
Some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have been a good reason for it .
`` Has no one checked if that ’ s a working dog for a visually impaired person !
Some people need to stop assuming , '' said one person .
`` What about if the driver was blind and that 's his guide dog ? ''
added another .
According to thehighwaycodeuk.co.uk , the Highway Code states : `` When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they can not distract you while you are driving or injure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop quickly .
`` A seat belt harness , pet carrier , dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars . ''
Breaking the Highway Code does not carry a direct penalty , but drivers could still be pulled over for driving without due care and attention .
This can result a fine and penalty points - and if an unrestrained pet has caused an accident , insurers are unlikely to pay out .

Fellow motorist Jason Danks spotted the driver's canine companion peeking over the steering wheel while the car was in motion in Barnstaple, Devon
Driver slammed for travelling with his dog on lap while behind the wheel
A driver has been slammed for travelling with a dog on his lap while behind the wheel.
Fellow motorist Jason Danks spotted the driver's canine companion peeking over the steering wheel while the car was in motion in Barnstaple, Devon.
Jason was so shocked, he asked his son to take a photo of the bizarre situation at some traffic lights.
He claims the driver then pulled away with the dog still on their lap, reports Devon Live.
"I'd just turned out of the estate where B&M is going up the hill toward Newport," he told DevonLive.
"I looked in my rear-view mirror to see the dog standing up on the wheel looking out the front window at me.
Image: Jason Danks) Jason Danks)
"I was so angry seeing this as it is totally unacceptable and could endanger life.
"The worst part is there was a passenger who could have been holding the dog.
"I got my son to take picture of it. This was at 1.05pm today sitting at the Newport traffic lights."
After posting the image on North Devon News, Jason added in the comments: "Even though the picture was taken at the lights, the dog was standing fully up on the steering wheel while they were driving."
Other people seemed as frustrated as Jason at the situation.
"Dogs should be secured in a vehicle," commented one person.
Another said: "What!!! That’s crazy! Idiot!!"
"Hope you have a picture of the number plate. This is so unacceptable," said a third.
Some people were more sympathetic though, claiming there might have been a good reason for it.
"Has no one checked if that’s a working dog for a visually impaired person! Some people need to stop assuming," said one person.
"What about if the driver was blind and that's his guide dog?" added another.
According to thehighwaycodeuk.co.uk, the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.
"A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."
Breaking the Highway Code does not carry a direct penalty, but drivers could still be pulled over for driving without due care and attention.
This can result a fine and penalty points - and if an unrestrained pet has caused an accident, insurers are unlikely to pay out.


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Shirley Ballas was left with bald patches after bully pulled out her hair

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has bravely reflected on being bullied as a child .
The 60-year-old , who grew up in Merseyside , has revealed that she was picked on for being poor - which led to her being beaten up by nasty bullies .
Dance guru Shirley says that before she was a teenager she had `` heard it all '' after the mean youngsters called her names .
She also told how the trauma has meant she is now `` resilient '' to social media trolls .
Shirley said : `` Let ’ s face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they weren ’ t having it , '' The Daily Star reports .
The BBC favourite continued : `` That ’ s why when people are mean to me on social media I ’ m resilient to it .
`` By the time I was 10 , I ’ d heard it all – language , bullying , nasty comments , the lot . ''
Recalling one horrific incident , she added that a girl once `` beat the holy living s**t out of me , leaving me with bruises and great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair out '' .
Shirley has been targeted by trolls since being in the public eye and in her memoir , Behind The Sequins , Shirley revealed that she once received a terrifying death threat that was delivered to her by hand while she was appearing in a pantomime .
The message included a drawing of her digging a grave , which read : `` Do you realise how much you are hated ?
The country hates you .
How did they ever give a job to someone like you , you old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages on Instagram and urged her own fans to be strong if they received such abuse .
She wrote at the time : `` As we know I had quite a lot of bullying on Strictly this time and my Inbox on insta was full of horrific and horrendous messages .
But this has gone a step further now so I 've had a hand-delivered message which I 'm going to share with you .
`` Hand-delivered to the hippodrome addressed to me with not such nice comments or words or whatever and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , anybody out there who receives awful messages or hate mail or things from people that do n't know them .
`` The issue is the other person 's issue it 's not so much ours .
Even though i still do find it quite upsetting to have to go and perform and then read something like this from somebody who does n't even know me .
`` So the message out there today is be strong going into 2020 , really really love yourself and do n't be phased by the bullies @ @

Shirley Ballas has detailed being targeted by bullies as a youngster and recalled the horrific time a girl yanked out chunks of her hair
Strictly's Shirley Ballas was left with bald patches after bully pulled out her hair
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has bravely reflected on being bullied as a child.
The 60-year-old, who grew up in Merseyside, has revealed that she was picked on for being poor - which led to her being beaten up by nasty bullies.
Dance guru Shirley says that before she was a teenager she had "heard it all" after the mean youngsters called her names.
She also told how the trauma has meant she is now "resilient" to social media trolls.
Shirley said: "Let’s face it, I was a show-off, and they weren’t having it," The Daily Star reports.
The BBC favourite continued: "That’s why when people are mean to me on social media I’m resilient to it.
Image: PA) PA)
"By the time I was 10, I’d heard it all – language, bullying, nasty comments, the lot."
Recalling one horrific incident, she added that a girl once "beat the holy living s**t out of me, leaving me with bruises and great patches where she’d pulled the hair out".
Shirley has been targeted by trolls since being in the public eye and in her memoir, Behind The Sequins, Shirley revealed that she once received a terrifying death threat that was delivered to her by hand while she was appearing in a pantomime.
Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The message included a drawing of her digging a grave, which read: "Do you realise how much you are hated? The country hates you. How did they ever give a job to someone like you, you old witch."
She also shared the messages on Instagram and urged her own fans to be strong if they received such abuse.
She wrote at the time: "As we know I had quite a lot of bullying on Strictly this time and my Inbox on insta was full of horrific and horrendous messages. But this has gone a step further now so I've had a hand-delivered message which I'm going to share with you.
Image: BBC) BBC)
"Hand-delivered to the hippodrome addressed to me with not such nice comments or words or whatever and my message is for the young people, anybody out there who receives awful messages or hate mail or things from people that don't know them.
"The issue is the other person's issue it's not so much ours. Even though i still do find it quite upsetting to have to go and perform and then read something like this from somebody who doesn't even know me.
"So the message out there today is be strong going into 2020, really really love yourself and don't be phased by the bullies."


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Christine McGuinness breaks down as she moves house during mum's cancer battle

Christine McGuinness broke down in tears as she struggled to cope with her mum 's ongoing cancer battle in hospital .
As the model and Real Housewives of Cheshire star moved into her new home with her husband , Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness , and their three kids , Christine become overwhelmed with emotion that her mum was n't by her side .
Former Miss Liverpool Christine is very close to her mum and has been unable to see her during the lockdown because she is shielding due to her breast cancer .
Today mum-of-three Christine cried on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her conflicted emotions .
Christine , 32 , said : `` I feel like I 'm all over the place today , I feel like I should be so happy we 're moving house and this is literally our dream home that we 've been building for years .
`` I 'd give it all to have my mum here , I feel like I 've got no one to talk to and I feel like I 'm all over the place .
`` Everyone is unpacking boxes but my head is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there with me and she 's still in hospital .
`` I have n't seen her for months , I probably ca n't see her until next summer , the kids keep saying ' I wonder if nanny will come and stay ' . ''
Christine continued to sob and apologised to her followers for getting upset but said she was really struggling .
She continued : `` I just want my mum , I want to show mum the house - she has n't seen it .
`` Cancer is just horrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happiest day ever and I do n't want to seem ungrateful because I 'm from a council estate and it is quite overwhelming moving into this house .
`` I feel so so lucky , but I 'd give it all to have my mum . ''
Christine finished her story and later posted a quote to Instagram saying : `` It will all be ok. '' And her followers rushed to offer their support in the comments , with many of them simply commenting a love heart emoji .
One wrote : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While another posted : `` Yes , positive thinking is first step . ''

Paddy McGuinness' model wife Christine cried as she admitted she's struggling watching her mum battle cancer in hospital
Christine McGuinness breaks down as she moves house during mum's cancer battle
Christine McGuinness broke down in tears as she struggled to cope with her mum's ongoing cancer battle in hospital.
As the model and Real Housewives of Cheshire star moved into her new home with her husband, Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness, and their three kids, Christine become overwhelmed with emotion that her mum wasn't by her side.
Former Miss Liverpool Christine is very close to her mum and has been unable to see her during the lockdown because she is shielding due to her breast cancer.
Today mum-of-three Christine cried on her Instagram stories as she tried to explain her conflicted emotions.
Image: mrscmcguinness/Instagram) mrscmcguinness/Instagram)
Christine, 32, said: "I feel like I'm all over the place today, I feel like I should be so happy we're moving house and this is literally our dream home that we've been building for years.
"I'd give it all to have my mum here, I feel like I've got no one to talk to and I feel like I'm all over the place.
"Everyone is unpacking boxes but my head is just not there because my mum should be there with me and she's still in hospital.
"I haven't seen her for months, I probably can't see her until next summer, the kids keep saying 'I wonder if nanny will come and stay'."
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Christine continued to sob and apologised to her followers for getting upset but said she was really struggling.
She continued: "I just want my mum, I want to show mum the house - she hasn't seen it.
"Cancer is just horrible and Covid, it should be the happiest day ever and I don't want to seem ungrateful because I'm from a council estate and it is quite overwhelming moving into this house.
"I feel so so lucky, but I'd give it all to have my mum."
Image: mrscmcguinness/Instagram) mrscmcguinness/Instagram)
Christine finished her story and later posted a quote to Instagram saying: "It will all be ok."
And her followers rushed to offer their support in the comments, with many of them simply commenting a love heart emoji.
One wrote: "Keep going lovely one."
While another posted: "Yes, positive thinking is first step."


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec 'plan sex marathon' after months apart

Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec have one thing on their minds when they are finally reunited after their Strictly journeys .
The married professional dancers have been forced apart for the past couple of months as they stay in their bubbles so that they can perform on the BBC dance show .
With Strictly into its semi-final week , Janette , 30 , and husband Aljaž , also 30 , are starting to see the light of the Glitterball Trophy at the end of the tunnel and the opportunity to spend some time together again .
Janette has emerged as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophy in a couple of weeks as her celebrity partner , YouTube star HRVY , has been impressive throughout and it set to battle comedian Bill Bailey and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh for the title .
Aljaž was unfortunately knocked out of the competition a few weeks ago , after Radio One DJ Clara Amfo was voted off by the judges following a dance-off .
Consequently , Jannette and Aljaž have been living apart throughout the Strictly process and they will only have 48 hours together after the series before Janette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked what they will do with their time , it would seem that some bedroom Olympics are in order .
Janette told The Sun : `` Oh my gosh .
I don ’ t know if I ’ m allowed to say this publicly , put it that way !
`` Let ’ s just say we won ’ t mind being in a lockdown , I ’ ll tell you that .
It ’ s been a tough year in many ways but we ’ ll make up for it !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home since Clara left the show and Janette will be flying to Miami just days after the Strictly final .
She continued : “ We ’ ve not even talked about Christmas because I really need to get home to see my family .
`` Aljaž isn ’ t going to be able to come with me , so it ’ ll literally be a couple of days that we have together.
” This is the furthest Janette has gone in Strictly with a celebrity partner and she is hoping to emulate Aljaž @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A lot of my really close friends have been in the final year after year .
`` So I feel like if I get through to the final , I ’ m not going to lie , I ’ m definitely going to break down in tears . ''
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Strictly Come Dancing professionals Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec have been forced apart due to Covid restrictions but the married couple have plans for when they are reunited
Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec have one thing on their minds when they are finally reunited after their Strictly journeys.
The married professional dancers have been forced apart for the past couple of months as they stay in their bubbles so that they can perform on the BBC dance show.
With Strictly into its semi-final week, Janette, 37, and husband Aljaž, 30, are starting to see the light of the Glitterball Trophy at the end of the tunnel and the opportunity to spend some time together again.
Janette has emerged as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in a couple of weeks as her celebrity partner, YouTube star HRVY, has been impressive throughout and it set to battle comedian Bill Bailey and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh for the title.
Image: Aljaž Škorjanec/Instagram) Aljaž Škorjanec/Instagram)
Aljaž was unfortunately knocked out of the competition a few weeks ago, after Radio One DJ Clara Amfo was voted off by the judges following a dance-off.
Consequently, Jannette and Aljaž have been living apart throughout the Strictly process and they will only have 48 hours together after the series before Janette jets off to see her family.
When asked what they will do with their time, it would seem that some bedroom Olympics are in order.
Janette told The Sun : "Oh my gosh. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this publicly, put it that way!
"Let’s just say we won’t mind being in a lockdown, I’ll tell you that. It’s been a tough year in many ways but we’ll make up for it!”
Aljaž has returned to the marital home since Clara left the show and Janette will be flying to Miami just days after the Strictly final.
She continued: “We’ve not even talked about Christmas because I really need to get home to see my family.
"Aljaž isn’t going to be able to come with me, so it’ll literally be a couple of days that we have together.”
Image: Aljaž Škorjanec/Instagram) Aljaž Škorjanec/Instagram)
This is the furthest Janette has gone in Strictly with a celebrity partner and she is hoping to emulate Aljaž and win the show.
She said: "A lot of my really close friends have been in the final year after year.
"So I feel like if I get through to the final, I’m not going to lie, I’m definitely going to break down in tears."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Child killer Mairead Philpott offered yoga classes at £600-a-week taxpayer home

Child killer Mairead Philpott is staying at a hostel that offers yoga classes to residents after her release from prison .
The 39-year-old can also reportedly take part in art classes at the women 's hostel where she is now living .
The monster was handed a 17-year sentence for manslaughter after killing six of her own children in a horrific arson attack in Osmaston , Derby , in 2012 .
She served half this term and was moved to a women 's bail hostel in the south of England after being freed from HMP Send in Surrey last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to keep Philpott housed in her en-suite room , according to a report .
However , the probation service said nearly all of the 'running cost ' was spent on security and employees .
The killer will be urged to make a 'mood diary ' at the accommodation filled with things she hopes to get after leaving the hostel , according to the Sun .
These include pictures of furniture , bedding , plants and even holidays she can look forward to .
A source told the Sun : `` The centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the residents keep diaries in which they can plan how they want their new homes to look and they put in pictures of the places they ’ d like to visit as well.
” Philpott will reportedly stay in the hostel for up to 12 weeks while she waits for a place to live .
A group of six volunteers will become her 'pals ' to prevent her from feeling lonely or vulnerable , it is claimed .
However , a probation service spokesman said Philpott 's accommodation is 'basic ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic rooms where offenders are held and watched closely by trained probation staff .
`` Nearly the entire running cost is spent on the security and employees who keep the public safe.
” Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said she is disgusted Philpott has been allowed out of prison so soon .
She added : `` I remain disgusted that this woman has her liberty while her daughter and five sons lie in their graves .
“ I am dismayed that she served less than 18 months for taking the lives of each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's husband , Mick , was jailed for life in 2013 for starting the blaze at the family home .
He was told he must serve at least 15 years behind bars before being considered for parole .
The Philpotts appeared at a news conference five days after the blaze , in which they both sobbed , while Mick expressed disbelief at the deaths and thanked fire crews .

Mairead Philpott, 39, was released from HMP Send in Surrey last month after serving half of a 17-year sentence for killing six of her children in an arson attack at their home in Derby
Child killer Mairead Philpott is staying at a hostel that offers yoga classes to residents after her release from prison.
The 39-year-old can also reportedly take part in art classes at the women's hostel where she is now living.
The monster was handed a 17-year sentence for manslaughter after killing six of her own children in a horrific arson attack in Osmaston, Derby, in 2012.
She served half this term and was moved to a women's bail hostel in the south of England after being freed from HMP Send in Surrey last month.
Taxpayers are forking at £600 a week to keep Philpott housed in her en-suite room, according to a report.
However, the probation service said nearly all of the 'running cost' was spent on security and employees.
Image: PA) PA)
The killer will be urged to make a 'mood diary' at the accommodation filled with things she hopes to get after leaving the hostel, according to the Sun.
These include pictures of furniture, bedding, plants and even holidays she can look forward to.
A source told the Sun : "The centre has yoga and painting classes laid on and the residents keep diaries in which they can plan how they want their new homes to look and they put in pictures of the places they’d like to visit as well.”
Image: PA) PA)
Philpott will reportedly stay in the hostel for up to 12 weeks while she waits for a place to live.
A group of six volunteers will become her 'pals' to prevent her from feeling lonely or vulnerable, it is claimed.
However, a probation service spokesman said Philpott's accommodation is 'basic'.
The spokesman added: “These are basic rooms where offenders are held and watched closely by trained probation staff.
"Nearly the entire running cost is spent on the security and employees who keep the public safe.”
Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said she is disgusted Philpott has been allowed out of prison so soon.
She added: "I remain disgusted that this woman has her liberty while her daughter and five sons lie in their graves.
“I am dismayed that she served less than 18 months for taking the lives of each of those poor children."
Philpott's husband, Mick, was jailed for life in 2013 for starting the blaze at the family home.
He was told he must serve at least 15 years behind bars before being considered for parole.
The Philpotts appeared at a news conference five days after the blaze, in which they both sobbed, while Mick expressed disbelief at the deaths and thanked fire crews.


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Kardashian family forced to call off Christmas bash for first time since 1978

The Kardashian family have been forced to cancel their annual Christmas Eve party for the first time in just over 40 years , thanks to the coronavirus pandemic .
And the famous clan have announced there will be no glitzy Christmas card released for their eager followers .
Khloe Kardashian , 36 , shocked her Twitter fans when she announced the news while replying to one curious fan about their festive celebrations this year .
They have called off their extravagant bash due to the number of rising Covid cases in California .
She wrote : `` The Covid cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So we decided that we 're not doing a Christmas Eve party this year . ''
`` It 's the first time we will not be having a Christmas Eve party since 1978 I believe .
Health and safety first though !
Taking this pandemic seriously is a must , '' the mum-of-one added .
Sadly for fans who have been patiently waiting for the Kardashians ' annual Christmas snaps , they will not be happening .
`` We have not done anything .
No Christmas photos and no Christmas Eve party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Khloe stated .
In October , the Kardashians were slammed by the public for attending Kim 's 40th birthday bash on a private island .
She decided to fly her `` closest inner circle '' out on a private jumbo jet to celebrate her special day .
Fans branded her as `` out of touch '' and `` tone-deaf '' as the famous family `` pretended things were normal just for a brief time '' amid the crisis , despite the US having one of the worst coronavirus records in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't learn from the backlash , as one week later Kendall Jenner hosted a Halloween birthday bash and there was no social-distancing involved .
She invited a few dozen of her famous pals , including Justin Bieber , Sofia Richie , Scott Disick , The Weeknd , Amelia Hamlin and Jaden Smith .
However the Kardashians appear to have learnt from their mistakes and will be staying safe this Christmas by avoiding any meet-ups .
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Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Kardashian family have been forced to axe their annual Christmas Eve bash for the first time in just over 40 years - and they won't be releasing their festive family photo card either
Kardashian family forced to call off Christmas Eve bash for first time since 1978
The Kardashian family have been forced to cancel their annual Christmas Eve party for the first time in just over 40 years, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
And the famous clan have announced there will be no glitzy Christmas card released for their eager followers.
Khloe Kardashian, 36, shocked her Twitter fans when she announced the news while replying to one curious fan about their festive celebrations this year.
They have called off their extravagant bash due to the number of rising Covid cases in California.
She wrote: "The Covid cases are getting out of control in CA. So we decided that we're not doing a Christmas Eve party this year."
Image: Khloe Kardashian/Instagram) Khloe Kardashian/Instagram)
"It's the first time we will not be having a Christmas Eve party since 1978 I believe. Health and safety first though! Taking this pandemic seriously is a must," the mum-of-one added.
Sadly for fans who have been patiently waiting for the Kardashians' annual Christmas snaps, they will not be happening.
"We have not done anything. No Christmas photos and no Christmas Eve party this year. Covid has taken over," Khloe stated.
Image: Instagram/khloekardashian) Instagram/khloekardashian)
In October, the Kardashians were slammed by the public for attending Kim's 40th birthday bash on a private island.
She decided to fly her "closest inner circle" out on a private jumbo jet to celebrate her special day.
Fans branded her as "out of touch" and "tone-deaf" as the famous family "pretended things were normal just for a brief time" amid the crisis, despite the US having one of the worst coronavirus records in the world.
Image: Internet Unknown) Internet Unknown)
But it seems the family didn't learn from the backlash, as one week later Kendall Jenner hosted a Halloween birthday bash and there was no social-distancing involved.
She invited a few dozen of her famous pals, including Justin Bieber, Sofia Richie, Scott Disick, The Weeknd, Amelia Hamlin and Jaden Smith.
However the Kardashians appear to have learnt from their mistakes and will be staying safe this Christmas by avoiding any meet-ups.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Coronavirus fightback starts now with first vaccinations after 61,000 deaths

The UK takes a huge step forward on Tuesday in its fight against coronavirus as the vaccination programme gets under way .
The Pfizer/BioNTech jab has been shown to be 95 % effective and works across all age groups , including the elderly .
The NHS will begin its largest ever vaccination programme with the aim of eventually vaccinating millions of people against coronavirus .
We asked people if they would have the jab .
The answer was a strong ‘ Yes !
’ Covid survivor Betty Brown , 92 , from Belford , Northumberland , had no doubts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for the Queen , it is good enough for me.
” Betty was admitted to hospital on November 9 but bounced back to entertain the “ fantastic ” staff with tales of her saxophone playing .
Hal Shaw , 32 , an insurance broker from Tonbridge , Kent , believes “ absolutely everyone ” should be vaccinated because it is a “ civic duty ” .
Kitchen assistant Dennis Kayongo , 45 , from Sevenoaks , Kent , said : “ The only solution is taking the vaccine – it is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hannah Wood , 38 , a meat industry worker from Sevenoaks , Kent , told the Mirror : “ If we can protect ourselves then why wouldn ’ t you ?
” Postal worker Peter Thomas , 56 , from Westerham , Kent , told us that vaccination is “ the only way we are going to get society moving again ” .
New mum Michaela McLean 25 , wiped away tears as she spoke of her hope mum Pam , 58 , in a care home after a stroke , could cuddle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holmes , 61 , of Rotherham , said she would do it , despite fears it was ready so quickly .
Keeley Longden , 50 , from Rotherham , a Jobcentre worker , said : “ I will have it despite my feelings about it .
It is great for the country.
” Salah Ahmed , 43 , who runs Master Hair Cut in Rotherham , said : “ This will help the country so much.
” Veteran campaigner Dr Hari Shukla CBE , 87 , is one of the first people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the weekend to get supplies to 50 hospital hubs around the country , and GPs have been put on standby to start delivering the vaccine from next week .
Dr Shukla , a prominent race relations campaigner from Newcastle , will be vaccinated alongside his wife Ranjan , 83 , at the city ’ s Royal Infirmary on Tuesday morning .
The grandad said : “ I am delighted to be doing my bit by having the vaccine , I feel it is my duty to do so and do whatever I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care home workers will get the first 800,000 doses , a week after the UK became the first country to approve the Pfizer jab .
It can not come soon enough as hospital bosses warned the NHS in England risks being overwhelmed in a third wave of infections after Christmas .
The UK has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer jab with around four million expected to be available this month .
Those receiving a jab will be given an handwritten card with the vaccine name , date of immunisation and batch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a reminder for the second dose 21 days after the first .
The first jab offers some level of protection around 12 days afterwards but the best protection comes a week after the second dose , officials have said .
The Royal College of Nursing said identifying patients likely to turn up for their second dose could be a “ key challenge ” in ensuring precious vaccine stocks are not wasted .
The Pfizer jab was found 90 % effective and reduced all cases of serious symptoms in clinical trials , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stored at -70C to keep them chemically stable and can only be moved four times before being used .
It means most early vaccinations will take place in hospital hubs while experts work on deploying doses of the jab to other settings .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Jeremy Armstrong, Lucy Thornton, Amy-Clare Martin)

After 61,000 deaths, families torn apart, people confined to home, livelihoods ruined and the sacrifice of frontline workers, the first vaccinations take place on Tuesday
Coronavirus fightback starts now with first vaccinations after 61,000 deaths
The UK takes a huge step forward on Tuesday in its fight against coronavirus as the vaccination programme gets under way.
The Pfizer/BioNTech jab has been shown to be 95% effective and works across all age groups, including the elderly.
The NHS will begin its largest ever vaccination programme with the aim of eventually vaccinating millions of people against coronavirus.
We asked people if they would have the jab. The answer was a strong ‘Yes!’
Covid survivor Betty Brown, 92, from Belford, Northumberland, had no doubts, saying: “If it is good enough for the Queen, it is good enough for me.”
Betty was admitted to hospital on November 9 but bounced back to entertain the “fantastic” staff with tales of her saxophone playing.
Hal Shaw, 32, an insurance broker from Tonbridge, Kent, believes “absolutely everyone” should be vaccinated because it is a “civic duty”.
Kitchen assistant Dennis Kayongo, 45, from Sevenoaks, Kent, said: “The only solution is taking the vaccine – it is the only way out of the disease.”
Hannah Wood, 38, a meat industry worker from Sevenoaks, Kent, told the Mirror: “If we can protect ourselves then why wouldn’t you?”
Postal worker Peter Thomas, 56, from Westerham, Kent, told us that vaccination is “the only way we are going to get society moving again”.
New mum Michaela McLean 25, wiped away tears as she spoke of her hope mum Pam, 58, in a care home after a stroke, could cuddle her 14-week-old granddaughter.
Businesswoman, Fay Holmes, 61, of Rotherham, said she would do it, despite fears it was ready so quickly.
Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)
Keeley Longden, 50, from Rotherham, a Jobcentre worker, said: “I will have it despite my feelings about it. It is great for the country.”
Salah Ahmed, 43, who runs Master Hair Cut in Rotherham, said: “This will help the country so much.”
Veteran campaigner Dr Hari Shukla CBE, 87, is one of the first people to receive a coronavirus vaccine.
Dr Hari Shukla CBE, 87, spoke out amid concerns over take-up.
Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)
Staff worked through the weekend to get supplies to 50 hospital hubs around the country, and GPs have been put on standby to start delivering the vaccine from next week.
Dr Shukla, a prominent race relations campaigner from Newcastle, will be vaccinated alongside his wife Ranjan, 83, at the city’s Royal Infirmary on Tuesday morning.
The grandad said: “I am delighted to be doing my bit by having the vaccine, I feel it is my duty to do so and do whatever I can to help.”
Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)
The over-80s and care home workers will get the first 800,000 doses, a week after the UK became the first country to approve the Pfizer jab.
It cannot come soon enough as hospital bosses warned the NHS in England risks being overwhelmed in a third wave of infections after Christmas.
The UK has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer jab with around four million expected to be available this month.
Those receiving a jab will be given an handwritten card with the vaccine name, date of immunisation and batch number.
The cards will also act as a reminder for the second dose 21 days after the first.
The first jab offers some level of protection around 12 days afterwards but the best protection comes a week after the second dose, officials have said.
The Royal College of Nursing said identifying patients likely to turn up for their second dose could be a “key challenge” in ensuring precious vaccine stocks are not wasted.
The Pfizer jab was found 90% effective and reduced all cases of serious symptoms in clinical trials, with no significant side effects.
Doses must be stored at -70C to keep them chemically stable and can only be moved four times before being used.
It means most early vaccinations will take place in hospital hubs while experts work on deploying doses of the jab to other settings.


thedailymirror--2020-12-07--Prince William praises UK's Covid heroes as he warns of difficult times ahead

The Duke of Cambridge warned of difficult times ahead but praised Britain ’ s coronavirus heroes tonight in a speech to food charity workers in Manchester .
William , accompanied by the Duchess of Cambridge , went to FareShare , a national charity feeding almost 1 million people per week across the UK and up to 60,000 in Greater Manchester , to thank staff and volunteers for helping the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic .
Around 80 volunteers send out surplus food donated by supermarkets and their suppliers and distribute it to 230 charities and foodbanks across the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing the strictest Covid-19 restrictions .
In a speech inside a warehouse named after the mother of England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford , who works closely with FareShare , William said : “ I know you ’ ve had a particularly hard time over recent months , as has the whole of the North of England .
I ’ m really glad we ’ ve been able to come and talk to some of you in person about how you ’ ve all been doing .
“ Catherine and I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just some of the heroes that have emerged this year to thank you for all that you have done .
Whether that ’ s transport workers , paramedics , school teachers or indeed staff and volunteers like those of you online across the FareShare network or here in Manchester tonight.
” He told them : “ You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature.
” He described the work of Fareshare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would otherwise go to waste into two million meals per week , as “ truly remarkable ” .
One in five people , including 200,000 children and young people , were living in poverty in Greater Manchester before the pandemic and the charity warned that figure has risen during the crisis .
William said : “ Sadly , given the economic challenges ahead , the generosity of your donors is going to be called on even more over the difficult months ahead .
But it is inspiring to know that you have risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And in bleak times , and particularly on this very cold December evening , you give us hope about what we can be achieved if we all work together .
”

Prince William and Kate Middleton delivered a speech to food charity workers at FareShare in Manchester to thank them for their work during the coronavirus pandemic
The Duke of Cambridge warned of difficult times ahead but praised Britain’s coronavirus heroes tonight in a speech to food charity workers in Manchester.
William, accompanied by the Duchess of Cambridge, went to FareShare, a national charity feeding almost 1 million people per week across the UK and up to 60,000 in Greater Manchester, to thank staff and volunteers for helping the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
Around 80 volunteers send out surplus food donated by supermarkets and their suppliers and distribute it to 230 charities and foodbanks across the city, which is in Tier 3, facing the strictest Covid-19 restrictions.
In a speech inside a warehouse named after the mother of England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who works closely with FareShare, William said: “I know you’ve had a particularly hard time over recent months, as has the whole of the North of England. I’m really glad we’ve been able to come and talk to some of you in person about how you’ve all been doing.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“Catherine and I felt that it was extremely important to visit just some of the heroes that have emerged this year to thank you for all that you have done. Whether that’s transport workers, paramedics, school teachers or indeed staff and volunteers like those of you online across the FareShare network or here in Manchester tonight.”
He told them: “You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature.”
He described the work of Fareshare , which helps charities turn surplus food that would otherwise go to waste into two million meals per week, as “truly remarkable”.
Image: PA) PA)
One in five people, including 200,000 children and young people, were living in poverty in Greater Manchester before the pandemic and the charity warned that figure has risen during the crisis.
William said: “Sadly, given the economic challenges ahead, the generosity of your donors is going to be called on even more over the difficult months ahead. But it is inspiring to know that you have risen to the challenge once this year already.
“And in bleak times, and particularly on this very cold December evening, you give us hope about what we can be achieved if we all work together.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Grandad, 91, gives perfect answer on why he accepted Covid-19 vaccine

A pensioner was filmed giving the perfect answer when quizzed over why he was taking the coronavirus vaccine .
Martin Kenyon , 91 , was one of the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine yesterday morning and was caught on camera as he left Guy 's Hospital in London .
Speaking to CNN reporter Cyril Vanier , Mr Kenyon explained that he had travelled into London to receive the vaccine - but was late for his appointment as he could n't park the car .
When asked why he had decided to take it , he said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s no point in dying when I ’ ve lived this long , is there ?
I don ’ t intend to anyway . ''
Mr Kenyon added that his family were unaware of his decision and that he was going to head home and tell them .
He said : `` I rang up Guy 's Hospital , which I know very well as I 've lived in London most of my grown life .
and I said ... you 're doing the vaccination and they said yes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about this and that..not very interesting and I said yes , no , yes , no and they said come at half past 12 .
`` Well of course , I could n't damn well find anywhere to park my car so I was late .
`` Anyway I 'm here now and I got inside and they duly put me down on the list and I went off and had a rather nasty lunch and then came back , and they were ready for me .
`` And no , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t know the needle had gone in until it had come out .
It was very interesting , it was painless . ''
Mr Kenyon received his vaccine a few hours after the first Brit , Margaret Keenan , 90 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt `` emotional '' as he saw the image of Mrs Keenan being vaccinated .
Like many around the country , the gran has been self-isolating for most of this year and is planning on having a very small family `` bubble '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a booster jab in 21 days to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus .
Mrs Keenan , who is from Coventry and will be 91 next week , said : `` I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19 , it 's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year .
@

GRANDAD, TELLS CNN AFTER GETTING HIS COVID JAB 'THERE'S NO POINT DYING NOW - I'VE GOT TO 91!'
GRANDAD, TELLS CNN AFTER GETTING HIS COVID JAB 'THERE'S NO POINT DYING NOW - I'VE GOT TO 91!'
Martin Kenyon, 91, was one of the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine this morning and was caught on camera as he left Guy's Hospital in London
Grandad, 91, says ‘there’s no point in dying now' as he becomes one of first to get jab
A pensioner was filmed giving the perfect answer when quizzed over why he was taking the coronavirus vaccine.
Martin Kenyon, 91, was one of the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine yesterday morning and was caught on camera as he left Guy's Hospital in London.
Speaking to CNN reporter Cyril Vanier, Mr Kenyon explained that he had travelled into London to receive the vaccine - but was late for his appointment as he couldn't park the car.
When asked why he had decided to take it, he said: "I don’t intend to have it there’s no point in dying when I’ve lived this long, is there? I don’t intend to anyway."
Mr Kenyon added that his family were unaware of his decision and that he was going to head home and tell them.
Image: CNN) CNN)
He said: "I rang up Guy's Hospital, which I know very well as I've lived in London most of my grown life. and I said...you're doing the vaccination and they said yes.
"Then they spent time asking me some questions about this and that..not very interesting and I said yes, no, yes, no and they said come at half past 12.
"Well of course, I couldn't damn well find anywhere to park my car so I was late.
"Anyway I'm here now and I got inside and they duly put me down on the list and I went off and had a rather nasty lunch and then came back, and they were ready for me.
"And no, it didn’t hurt at all – I didn’t know the needle had gone in until it had come out. It was very interesting, it was painless."
Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mr Kenyon received his vaccine a few hours after the first Brit, Margaret Keenan, 90.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he felt "emotional" as he saw the image of Mrs Keenan being vaccinated.
Like many around the country, the gran has been self-isolating for most of this year and is planning on having a very small family "bubble" Christmas to keep safe.
She will receive a booster jab in 21 days to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus.
Mrs Keenan, who is from Coventry and will be 91 next week, said: "I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, it's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year."


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz 'draw up prenup to protect their fortunes'

Brooklyn Beckham and fiancée Nicola Peltz have reportedly drawn up a prenuptial agreement to protect their fortunes after they are married .
The 21-year-old son of former England captain David Beckham is set to marry his 25-year-old fiancée , who is the heiress to a billionaire fortune .
The Beckhams are thought to be worth £335 million and the couple have reportedly come to an agreement to leave the marriage “ with what they put into it ” if they split up .
With their wedding thought to be planned for next year , they have taken this 'practical step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallout about money if it does n't work out .
A source told The Sun : “ Prenups may not seem particularly romantic but in the US they ’ re incredibly common and Nicola ’ s family all have agreements in place with their partners .
“ Brooklyn and Nicola ’ s decision to go legal was entirely mutual . ''
The idea of having a prenup may have stemmed from some of Brooklyn 's previous relationships , which may have not been purely for love .
The source continued : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get in on the Beckham name so they ’ re delighted Nicola loves Brooklyn for him . ''
The difference this time is helped by the fact that Nicola is driven by the Beckhams ' money or fame as she has her own career and her family are worth more than three times that of Victoria and David .
It has been reported that the pair have already signed the contract as it was `` not complicated '' .
It would mean that `` both parties will leave the marriage with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets and properties .
Money will not change hands.
” Brooklyn met Nicola at the Coachella Music Festival in California in 2017 and they announced their engagement in July after dating for 11 months .
There is a plan to have two different wedding ceremonies , so that both sides of the family can enjoy the nuptials without having to cross the Atlantic .
David and Victoria will host the UK one in the Cotswolds , where they live , while Nicola 's dad Nelson , who lives with his third wife , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had ten children , will see his daughter tie the knot in Florida .
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Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Brooklyn Beckham and fiancée Nicola Peltz both come from families that have incredible wealth and they have reportedly come to an agreement to protect that
Brooklyn Beckham and fiancée Nicola Peltz have reportedly drawn up a prenuptial agreement to protect their fortunes after they are married.
The 21-year-old son of former England captain David Beckham is set to marry his 25-year-old fiancée, who is the heiress to a billionaire fortune.
The Beckhams are thought to be worth £335 million and the couple have reportedly come to an agreement to leave the marriage “with what they put into it” if they split up.
With their wedding thought to be planned for next year, they have taken this 'practical step' so that there is no massive fallout about money if it doesn't work out.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
A source told The Sun : “Prenups may not seem particularly romantic but in the US they’re incredibly common and Nicola’s family all have agreements in place with their partners.
“Brooklyn and Nicola’s decision to go legal was entirely mutual."
The idea of having a prenup may have stemmed from some of Brooklyn's previous relationships, which may have not been purely for love.
The source continued: "He’s had experiences of girls desperate to get in on the Beckham name so they’re delighted Nicola loves Brooklyn for him."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The difference this time is helped by the fact that Nicola is driven by the Beckhams' money or fame as she has her own career and her family are worth more than three times that of Victoria and David.
It has been reported that the pair have already signed the contract as it was "not complicated".
It would mean that "both parties will leave the marriage with what they put into it. This includes assets and properties. Money will not change hands.”
Image: Internet Unknown) Internet Unknown)
Brooklyn met Nicola at the Coachella Music Festival in California in 2017 and they announced their engagement in July after dating for 11 months.
There is a plan to have two different wedding ceremonies, so that both sides of the family can enjoy the nuptials without having to cross the Atlantic.
David and Victoria will host the UK one in the Cotswolds, where they live, while Nicola's dad Nelson, who lives with his third wife, for model Claudia Heffner Peltz, and had ten children, will see his daughter tie the knot in Florida.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Kendall 'invited Olivia Jade into Kardashian circle' after Lori Loughlin scandal

Kendall Jenner has reportedly reached out to Oliva Jade after her mother , Lori Loughlin , was jailed following a college admissions scandal .
The 21-year-old social media influencer has spoken publicly about the impact of the bribery scandal on her life , during a Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch with Jada Pinkett Smith .
Since Olivia 's parents were found guilty of trying to pay for a way in to University of Southern California for her and sister Bella , she has reportedly been `` leaning on Kendall Jenner for support '' with the model happy for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circle '' , according to The Sun .
Olivia has admitted that she has not spoken to Lori or father Mossimo Giannulli since they were put behind bars and is coming to terms of facing Christmas without them .
Full House actress Lori and her fashion designer husband pleaded guilty back in May after paying $ 500,000 in bribes .
Lori began a two-month sentence on October 30 , while Mossimo was jailed for five months .
Olivia and Bella have been `` trying to go about life as normal as possible but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a source who has spoken to The Sun .
They also revealed that Kendall has been a tower of strength during this time .
The source continued : `` Olivia has been speaking to and hanging out with Kendall a lot over the past few weeks at her home in Beverly Hills with her dog .
`` Kendall has been really understanding , helping her to navigate this tricky time and making sure she does n't feel alone around the holidays . ''
They added that Olivia is trying to `` rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been `` fully welcomed into the Kardashian circle '' as she looks to `` move forward with her life . ''
During her first interview since her parents were jailed , Olivia told Jada , Adrienne Banfield-Jones , and Willow Smith : `` I actually have n't spoken to either of them .
`` There 's a quarantine phase just cause of Covid , I 'm not sure .
I just have n't heard anything , so I 'm just waiting . ''
She continued : `` I 've never gone that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my parents , especially my mom , she 's like my best friend .
`` It 's definitely been really hard not being able to talk to her , but I know she 's strong .
It 's a good reflection period . ''
Olivia added : `` I 'm trying to look at the positive in situations .
She gets to really rethink everything that 's happened . ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 @ @

LORI LOUGHLIN SENTENCED TO TWO MONTHS IN PRISON OVER COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL
LORI LOUGHLIN SENTENCED TO TWO MONTHS IN PRISON OVER COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL
Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia Jade has spoken publicly about the college admissions scandal that saw her mum jailed as the Kardashians bring some comfort to her
Kendall Jenner has reportedly reached out to Oliva Jade after her mother, Lori Loughlin, was jailed following a college admissions scandal.
The 21-year-old social media influencer has spoken publicly about the impact of the bribery scandal on her life, during a Red Table Talk on Facebook Watch with Jada Pinkett Smith.
Since Olivia's parents were found guilty of trying to pay for a way in to University of Southern California for her and sister Bella, she has reportedly been "leaning on Kendall Jenner for support" with the model happy for her to be "welcomed into the Kardashian circle", according to The Sun.
Olivia has admitted that she has not spoken to Lori or father Mossimo Giannulli since they were put behind bars and is coming to terms of facing Christmas without them.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
Full House actress Lori and her fashion designer husband pleaded guilty back in May after paying $500,000 in bribes.
Lori began a two-month sentence on October 30, while Mossimo was jailed for five months.
Olivia and Bella have been "trying to go about life as normal as possible but it's been extremely hard" according to a source who has spoken to The Sun.
They also revealed that Kendall has been a tower of strength during this time.
Image: Getty Images for Stuart Weitzman) Getty Images for Stuart Weitzman)
The source continued: "Olivia has been speaking to and hanging out with Kendall a lot over the past few weeks at her home in Beverly Hills with her dog.
"Kendall has been really understanding, helping her to navigate this tricky time and making sure she doesn't feel alone around the holidays."
They added that Olivia is trying to "rebuild her reputation" after the scandal and has been "fully welcomed into the Kardashian circle" as she looks to "move forward with her life."
During her first interview since her parents were jailed, Olivia told Jada, Adrienne Banfield-Jones, and Willow Smith: "I actually haven't spoken to either of them.
"There's a quarantine phase just cause of Covid, I'm not sure. I just haven't heard anything, so I'm just waiting."
Image: Getty Images for Oh Polly) Getty Images for Oh Polly)
She continued: "I've never gone that long - I'm super close to my parents, especially my mom, she's like my best friend.
"It's definitely been really hard not being able to talk to her, but I know she's strong. It's a good reflection period."
Olivia added: "I'm trying to look at the positive in situations. She gets to really rethink everything that's happened."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Perishers - 9th December 2020

Perishers - 9th December 2020

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Perishers - 9th December 2020 Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
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thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Andy Capp - 9th December 2020

Andy Capp - 9th December 2020

Andy Capp - 9th December 2020 Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day
Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day. See previous Andy Capp's or visit his Facebook page.
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thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Best and worst banks named and shamed - based on satisfaction and service

Britain 's best and worst banks have been named in a new customer satisfaction survey - and the top three are all digital-only .
Online challenger banks Starling and Monzo topped the customer service poll , while online and telephone-based provider First Direct came third .
The survey carried out by consumer group Which ?
asked 4,500 people about their current account providers .
Starling Bank , Monzo and First Direct all ranked highly for their customer service , application process , communication and transparency over charges .
Starling Bank and First Direct were also named Which ?
recommended providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , it did not formally endorse Monzo as a recommended provider because it has yet to sign up to a voluntary industry code which reimburses blameless victims of bank transfer scams .
Tesco Bank and Citibank received the joint lowest customer score , with both earning just two stars for complaints handling .
Which ?
said RBS holds this year 's unwanted record for the most two-star ratings in the survey , with customers criticising its telephone service , account benefits , complaints handling , branch service and overall customer service .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The leading challenger banks have cemented their position ahead of many of the UK 's biggest banking brands in terms of customer satisfaction , showing that innovation and modern ideas are shaking up the market .
However , it 's still good service that is truly valued by customers . ''

Britain's best and worst banks, building societies and online-only lenders have been named and shamed in a new customer satisfaction poll - here are all the results
Britain's best and worst banks named and shamed - based on satisfaction and service
Britain's best and worst banks have been named in a new customer satisfaction survey - and the top three are all digital-only.
Online challenger banks Starling and Monzo topped the customer service poll, while online and telephone-based provider First Direct came third.
The survey carried out by consumer group Which? asked 4,500 people about their current account providers.
Starling Bank, Monzo and First Direct all ranked highly for their customer service, application process, communication and transparency over charges.
Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images) Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Starling Bank and First Direct were also named Which? recommended providers, alongside M&S bank.
However, it did not formally endorse Monzo as a recommended provider because it has yet to sign up to a voluntary industry code which reimburses blameless victims of bank transfer scams.
Tesco Bank and Citibank received the joint lowest customer score, with both earning just two stars for complaints handling.
New rules are coming for businesses...you need to act now The clock is ticking. New rules for business with Europe start on January 1 2021 - and there are actions your business needs to take now. Businesses that deal with Europe will have to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring. Time is running out. Check what you need to do today at gov.uk/transition.
Which? said RBS holds this year's unwanted record for the most two-star ratings in the survey, with customers criticising its telephone service, account benefits, complaints handling, branch service and overall customer service.
Which? money editor Jenny Ross said: "The leading challenger banks have cemented their position ahead of many of the UK's biggest banking brands in terms of customer satisfaction, showing that innovation and modern ideas are shaking up the market. However, it's still good service that is truly valued by customers."
Customer service scores - ranked


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Half a million kids destitute in Britain before coronavirus crisis hit - report

Half a million children are living in destitution – a 52 % rise in just two years , a grim study reveals today .
A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows about 2.4 million people “ experienced destitution ” in 2019 – up 54 % from 2017 , including another 185,000 kids .
“ Inadequate ” welfare benefits and debt deductions are “ key drivers of destitution ” , according to the charity .
And with unemployment rising , more people claiming welfare support and soaring demand for foodbanks amid the coronavirus crisis , the Foundation fears “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer to the brink ” .
It called for the temporary £20-a-week rise in Universal Credit – announced to cope with the economic impact of Covid-19 – to be extended beyond the April deadline in a move which would cost £6billion a year .
JRF director Helen Barnard said it was “ appalling ” that so many people were “ going through this distressing and degrading experience ” of being destitute .
She added : “ We should not tolerate it .
“ No one in our society should be unable to afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can and must do more .
“ The pandemic has shown just how much we want to look out for each other in difficult times , but the sobering truth is that even before Covid-19 hit , the number of people in destitution was rising sharply .
“ Our social security system should act as an anchor to hold us steady when we ’ re pulled down by powerful currents like job loss , illness or relationship breakdown .
But right now , our system is not doing enough to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as destitution as when a household can not afford two or more of the essentials we all need to live , like shelter , food , heating and clothing .
According to the Foundation , one in five destitute people are homelessness or suffers drug and alcohol problems .
Some 54 % have a chronic health problem or disability , while 14 % are in paid work .
Since 2017 , destitution has risen sharply in all regions , according to research – but it has been worse in northern cities and towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hull , Liverpool , Newcastle , Nottingham and Blackpool had some of the highest estimated rates .
The highest average rates of destitution are in the North East , followed by London and the North West .
Half of people “ experiencing destitution ” were claiming or had applied for Universal Credit when the survey was carried out in the spring .
The study is carried out every two years by researchers from Edinburgh-based Heriot-Watt University .
Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick , from the university 's Institute for Social Policy , Housing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings clearly show that levels of destitution in the UK were already rising sharply prior to the pandemic and the impact of Covid-19 has intensified the difficulties many people face accessing the help they need to meet their most fundamental needs .
“ The sheer scale of the issue is unacceptable in one of the world 's richest countries and starkly reveals the devastating impact of the gaps , flaws and deductions in Universal Credit and other aspects of the social security system that lead to destitution by design . ''
Shadow Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ No child in Britain should be hungry or without essentials .
“ The Government must do more to support struggling families who are facing real hardship this winter .
They must see sense and scrap the planned cut to Universal Credit , which will take £20-a-week from six million families.
” A Government spokesman said : “ Making sure every child gets the best start in life is central to our efforts to level up opportunity across the country , which is why we have raised the living wage for all and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £170million to help families stay warm and well-fed over Christmas .
”

The shocking scale of destitution is laid bare in a report by Heriot-Watt University for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Half a million children are living in destitution – a 52% rise in just two years, a grim study reveals today.
A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows about 2.4 million people “experienced destitution” in 2019 – up 54% from 2017, including another 185,000 kids.
“Inadequate” welfare benefits and debt deductions are “key drivers of destitution”, according to the charity.
And with unemployment rising, more people claiming welfare support and soaring demand for foodbanks amid the coronavirus crisis, the Foundation fears “the pandemic may have pushed people experiencing destitution closer to the brink”.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
It called for the temporary £20-a-week rise in Universal Credit – announced to cope with the economic impact of Covid-19 – to be extended beyond the April deadline in a move which would cost £6billion a year.
JRF director Helen Barnard said it was “appalling” that so many people were “going through this distressing and degrading experience” of being destitute.
She added: “We should not tolerate it.
“No one in our society should be unable to afford to eat or keep clean and sheltered. We can and must do more. “The pandemic has shown just how much we want to look out for each other in difficult times, but the sobering truth is that even before Covid-19 hit, the number of people in destitution was rising sharply.
“Our social security system should act as an anchor to hold us steady when we’re pulled down by powerful currents like job loss, illness or relationship breakdown. But right now, our system is not doing enough to protect people from destitution.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
Image: Getty) Getty)
Experts' define as destitution as when a household cannot afford two or more of the essentials we all need to live, like shelter, food, heating and clothing.
According to the Foundation, one in five destitute people are homelessness or suffers drug and alcohol problems.
Some 54% have a chronic health problem or disability, while 14% are in paid work.
Since 2017, destitution has risen sharply in all regions, according to research – but it has been worse in northern cities and towns.
The study found Middlesbrough, Manchester, Hull, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Blackpool had some of the highest estimated rates.
Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
The highest average rates of destitution are in the North East, followed by London and the North West.
Half of people “experiencing destitution” were claiming or had applied for Universal Credit when the survey was carried out in the spring.
The study is carried out every two years by researchers from Edinburgh-based Heriot-Watt University.
Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, from the university's Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research, said: "Our findings clearly show that levels of destitution in the UK were already rising sharply prior to the pandemic and the impact of Covid-19 has intensified the difficulties many people face accessing the help they need to meet their most fundamental needs.
“The sheer scale of the issue is unacceptable in one of the world's richest countries and starkly reveals the devastating impact of the gaps, flaws and deductions in Universal Credit and other aspects of the social security system that lead to destitution by design."
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “No child in Britain should be hungry or without essentials.
Image: BBC Parliament) BBC Parliament)
“The Government must do more to support struggling families who are facing real hardship this winter. They must see sense and scrap the planned cut to Universal Credit, which will take £20-a-week from six million families.”
A Government spokesman said: “Making sure every child gets the best start in life is central to our efforts to level up opportunity across the country, which is why we have raised the living wage for all and boosted welfare support by billions, including £170million to help families stay warm and well-fed over Christmas.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Tories 'failed' home buyers by delivering zero of 200k promised starter homes

The Tories failed 85,000 first time buyers by scrapping an affordable homes policy , having built exactly none of the 200,000 homes they promised .
The Commons ' spending watchdog , the Public Accounts Committee , called for an end to Government `` false promises '' in a new report , accusing the Tory government of ditching a key home building scheme without informing Parliament or those wanting to get onto the housing ladder .
The Starter Homes policy promised first-time buyers 200,000 homes in 2015 at `` below their open market value '' , with 85,000 people registering their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government ( MHCLG ) this year scrapped the policy despite money being spent on buying up derelict industrial land for redevelopment .
Homes England forecasts that around 6,600 homes will be built on the sites prepared using £173 million intended for Starter Homes , but only 36 % of these homes will meet the current definition of affordable housing .
The committee accused ministers of failing to put in place the necessary laws to make the affordable homes initiative a reality and that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of existence '' .
Committee chair Meg Hillier said : `` The department for 'housing ' is at risk of losing the right to the title .
`` It has serially , constantly failed to deliver affordable new homes or even make a serious attempt to execute its own housing policies or achieve targets before they are ditched , unannounced - costs sunk and outcomes unknown .
`` MHCLG needs to ditch instead the false promises and set out clear , staged , funded plans , backed by the necessary laws and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 17-page report said there was a three-year gap between the Starter Home policy being `` deprioritised '' and informing those on the waiting list .
`` The department deprioritised the Starter Homes policy in 2017 when the housing white paper , Fixing Our Broken Housing Market , indicated a shift in housing policy in favour of a wider variety of ways of helping people into home ownership , '' said the MPs ' report .
`` However , it was not until January 2020 - three years later - before the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abandoned altogether .
`` It took the department far too long to inform both Parliament and those who had registered their interest in Starter Homes that the policy had been dropped .
`` It was not until 2020 that the 85,000 people who had registered their interest with the Home Builders Federation were told that Starter Homes were no longer available and advised on alternative housing options . ''
The committee also said it was `` disappointed '' that the Ministry of Housing remained `` unable or unwilling '' to clarify how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes per year by the mid-2020s .
Labour MP Ms Hillier added : `` It needs to ditch what is becoming a hallmark lack of transparency if it is to have any hope of rebuilding confidence among future tenants and owners that the decent , safe , affordable homes they want and need will ever be built . ''
The Local Government Association said the report should lead to councils being granted beefed-up home-building powers .
Housing spokesman Councillor David Renard said : `` To tackle the housing crisis and build the homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand councils the powers to build new homes at a scale not seen since the 1970s when local authorities built 40 per cent of new homes . ''
An MHCLG spokesperson claimed the report was `` misleading '' and `` false '' , but did not specifically contradict any of the points above .
They said that since 2010 , `` over 663,000 households have been helped into home ownership through Government schemes . ''
They added : `` Last year alone we delivered a quarter of a million new homes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're also investing over £12 billion in affordable housing over the next five years - the largest investment in a decade - and our new first homes scheme will help local people and key workers buy their own home , in the area they already live , at a discount of 30 % . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Patrick Daly, Mikey Smith)

"The department for 'housing' is at risk of losing the right to the title," said Parliament's spending watchdog
Tories 'failed' home buyers by delivering zero of the 200,000 starter homes they promised
The Tories failed 85,000 first time buyers by scrapping an affordable homes policy, having built exactly none of the 200,000 homes they promised.
The Commons' spending watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee, called for an end to Government "false promises" in a new report, accusing the Tory government of ditching a key home building scheme without informing Parliament or those wanting to get onto the housing ladder.
The Starter Homes policy promised first-time buyers 200,000 homes in 2015 at "below their open market value", with 85,000 people registering their interest, according to the committee.
But the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) this year scrapped the policy despite money being spent on buying up derelict industrial land for redevelopment.
Homes England forecasts that around 6,600 homes will be built on the sites prepared using £173 million intended for Starter Homes, but only 36% of these homes will meet the current definition of affordable housing.
Image: Richard Williams) Richard Williams)
The committee accused ministers of failing to put in place the necessary laws to make the affordable homes initiative a reality and that they allowed the policy to "drift out of existence".
Committee chair Meg Hillier said: "The department for 'housing' is at risk of losing the right to the title.
"It has serially, constantly failed to deliver affordable new homes or even make a serious attempt to execute its own housing policies or achieve targets before they are ditched, unannounced - costs sunk and outcomes unknown.
"MHCLG needs to ditch instead the false promises and set out clear, staged, funded plans, backed by the necessary laws and with a realistic prospect of delivering."
The 17-page report said there was a three-year gap between the Starter Home policy being "deprioritised" and informing those on the waiting list.
"The department deprioritised the Starter Homes policy in 2017 when the housing white paper, Fixing Our Broken Housing Market, indicated a shift in housing policy in favour of a wider variety of ways of helping people into home ownership," said the MPs' report.
"However, it was not until January 2020 - three years later - before the department publicly admitted that Starter Homes had been abandoned altogether.
"It took the department far too long to inform both Parliament and those who had registered their interest in Starter Homes that the policy had been dropped.
"It was not until 2020 that the 85,000 people who had registered their interest with the Home Builders Federation were told that Starter Homes were no longer available and advised on alternative housing options."
The committee also said it was "disappointed" that the Ministry of Housing remained "unable or unwilling" to clarify how it will achieve its ambition of 300,000 new homes per year by the mid-2020s.
Labour MP Ms Hillier added: "It needs to ditch what is becoming a hallmark lack of transparency if it is to have any hope of rebuilding confidence among future tenants and owners that the decent, safe, affordable homes they want and need will ever be built."
The Local Government Association said the report should lead to councils being granted beefed-up home-building powers.
Housing spokesman Councillor David Renard said: "To tackle the housing crisis and build the homes the country needs, the Government must hand councils the powers to build new homes at a scale not seen since the 1970s when local authorities built 40 per cent of new homes."
An MHCLG spokesperson claimed the report was "misleading" and "false", but did not specifically contradict any of the points above.
They said that since 2010, "over 663,000 households have been helped into home ownership through Government schemes."
They added: "Last year alone we delivered a quarter of a million new homes, the highest number in over three decades.
"We're also investing over £12 billion in affordable housing over the next five years - the largest investment in a decade - and our new first homes scheme will help local people and key workers buy their own home, in the area they already live, at a discount of 30%."


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Border Force left to rely on outdated tech by three-year Home Office delays

Home Office delays have left border guards using out-of-date technology to decide who is and is n't allowed into the UK , according to a new report .
The department 's planned upgrades to computer systems has been delayed by three years , the report found .
Whitehall 's spending watchdog the National Audit Office ( NAO ) found the Government department `` did not deliver improved digital border systems to its planned timetable of March 2019 '' .
They said the delay had `` increased costs by £173 million and means it continues to rely on legacy technology '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been pushed back to the end of March 2022 , the NAO said , adding : `` The Home Office has made improvements , but it still faces significant risks in delivering and integrating its new systems against a challenging timetable . ''
Border Force is using a 26-year-old system for its passenger watchlist to check whether suspects and persons of interest are trying to enter the country , while another system which analyses passenger data is 16 years old , according to the findings .
The department set out to upgrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were `` increasingly expensive '' , difficult to maintain and unfit for work to be carried out in the future .
Improvements were intended to provide UK Border Force staff with `` better information to make decisions about people crossing the border and to track goods entering and exiting the UK , '' the NAO said .
But the plan lacked a timetable and clear objectives as well as a budget .
The amount of work needing to be done was also underestimated by the Home Office , according to the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Office updated the plan as it worked to tighten control over who enters the UK and decided to delay its introduction by three years , adding hundreds of millions of pounds to the bill for the work .
The department `` estimates that the net impact of its failure to deliver the programme by the end of March 2019 as originally planned is an additional cost of £173 million , '' the NAO said .
The report also warned of technical problems with the Home Office 's new system to monitor the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will check passenger details against electronic visas and look at whether they have a legal right to remain in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme .
The NAO said an earlier version of the new programme - called Border Crossing - had problems with most of its pilot trials in December last year , with six out of seven ports using it to check less than 20 % of passengers .
The system is set to be rolled out to 56 ports by the middle of June .
Head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Digital Services at the Border programme did not achieve value for money by March 2019 , failing to deliver what it intended and leaving Border Force staff to rely on outdated legacy systems .
`` Since resetting the programme , there have been improvements and the Home Office has a better understanding of the significant risks and challenges ahead .
It now needs to build on this work to ensure that it can deliver the programme at the pace and scale it requires . ''
The Home Office said it had accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Since 2019 , following the reset of the programme , industry confidence in this programme has increased with a clear focus and delivery plan put in place .
`` This programme will transform the way we secure and manage the flow of people and goods across the border .
It will deliver adaptable and modern technology to improve security , increase efficiency and provide a better experience for travellers . ''

A new report found the Government's failure to upgrade systems had increased costs by £173 million
Home Office delays have left border guards using out-of-date technology to decide who is and isn't allowed into the UK, according to a new report.
The department's planned upgrades to computer systems has been delayed by three years, the report found.
Whitehall's spending watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) found the Government department "did not deliver improved digital border systems to its planned timetable of March 2019".
They said the delay had "increased costs by £173 million and means it continues to rely on legacy technology".
The rollout of the new system has been pushed back to the end of March 2022, the NAO said, adding: "The Home Office has made improvements, but it still faces significant risks in delivering and integrating its new systems against a challenging timetable."
Image: PA) PA)
Border Force is using a 26-year-old system for its passenger watchlist to check whether suspects and persons of interest are trying to enter the country, while another system which analyses passenger data is 16 years old, according to the findings.
The department set out to upgrade the old computer systems in 2014 because they were "increasingly expensive", difficult to maintain and unfit for work to be carried out in the future.
Improvements were intended to provide UK Border Force staff with "better information to make decisions about people crossing the border and to track goods entering and exiting the UK," the NAO said.
But the plan lacked a timetable and clear objectives as well as a budget. The amount of work needing to be done was also underestimated by the Home Office, according to the body.
In July last year, the Home Office updated the plan as it worked to tighten control over who enters the UK and decided to delay its introduction by three years, adding hundreds of millions of pounds to the bill for the work.
The department "estimates that the net impact of its failure to deliver the programme by the end of March 2019 as originally planned is an additional cost of £173 million," the NAO said.
The report also warned of technical problems with the Home Office's new system to monitor the watchlist of suspects and people of interest, which will check passenger details against electronic visas and look at whether they have a legal right to remain in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The NAO said an earlier version of the new programme - called Border Crossing - had problems with most of its pilot trials in December last year, with six out of seven ports using it to check less than 20% of passengers. The system is set to be rolled out to 56 ports by the middle of June.
Head of the NAO Gareth Davies said: "The Digital Services at the Border programme did not achieve value for money by March 2019, failing to deliver what it intended and leaving Border Force staff to rely on outdated legacy systems.
"Since resetting the programme, there have been improvements and the Home Office has a better understanding of the significant risks and challenges ahead. It now needs to build on this work to ensure that it can deliver the programme at the pace and scale it requires."
The Home Office said it had accepted the NAO's recommendations.
A spokesman added: "Since 2019, following the reset of the programme, industry confidence in this programme has increased with a clear focus and delivery plan put in place.
"This programme will transform the way we secure and manage the flow of people and goods across the border. It will deliver adaptable and modern technology to improve security, increase efficiency and provide a better experience for travellers."


thedailymirror--2020-12-09--Self-isolating staff 'must get furlough cover' as sick pay 'woefully inadequate'

Workers forced to self isolate due to coronavirus should be paid 80 % of their wages through the furlough scheme , a think tank has urged .
The Resolution Foundation said £96 per week of statutory sick pay ( SSP ) was “ woefully inadequate ” and more Covid-19 infections had occurred as people could not afford to stay home .
Around two million employees earning less than £120 a week are not eligible for SSP – a barrier that excludes one in four part-time workers , and one in seven workers in retail , hospitality and leisure .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not reaching enough people , with only one-in-eight workers entitled to them , the report found .
Only 1,783 payments were made between October 12 and November 25 by local authorities in West Yorkshire , which has one of the highest infection rates in the UK , researchers said .
The think tank called for the furlough scheme to include self-isolation payments , at a cost of around £426million a month .
Self employed workers should be given grants of up to £830 through the dedicated scheme .
And the self employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s added support should received boosted Employment Support Allowance , uprated from £20 to £96 per week .
Researcher Maja Gustafsson said : “ Coronavirus vaccines will take many months to roll out so more workers will need to self-isolate at home to contain the spread of the virus next year .
“ Given the failure of the current sick pay regime , the Government must turn now to the far more successful job support schemes to provide workers and firms with the financial support they need to do the right thing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grady said lack of decent sick pay was a “ gaping hole ” in the government ’ s Covid strategy .
“ Asking workers to self-isolate on £96 a week is not viable – especially when many don ’ t have savings to fall back on , ” she said .
“ This problem needs fixing urgently .
Until people are given sick pay they can survive on they will be forced to choose between following the health advice and paying their bills.
” She said sick pay should be hiked to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ministers to scrap rules preventing two million workers from claiming SSP as they do not earn enough .
The Treasury has been contacted for comment .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak was urged to overhaul sick pay provision as a think tank warned more Covid-19 infections had occurred as workers cannot afford to isolate
Workers forced to self isolate due to coronavirus should be paid 80% of their wages through the furlough scheme, a think tank has urged.
The Resolution Foundation said £96 per week of statutory sick pay (SSP) was “woefully inadequate” and more Covid-19 infections had occurred as people could not afford to stay home.
Around two million employees earning less than £120 a week are not eligible for SSP – a barrier that excludes one in four part-time workers, and one in seven workers in retail, hospitality and leisure.
Meanwhile, £500 payments from Test and Trace are not reaching enough people, with only one-in-eight workers entitled to them, the report found.
Only 1,783 payments were made between October 12 and November 25 by local authorities in West Yorkshire, which has one of the highest infection rates in the UK, researchers said.
The think tank called for the furlough scheme to include self-isolation payments, at a cost of around £426million a month.
Self employed workers should be given grants of up to £830 through the dedicated scheme.
And the self employed who do not qualify for the Chancellor’s added support should received boosted Employment Support Allowance, uprated from £20 to £96 per week.
Researcher Maja Gustafsson said: “ Coronavirus vaccines will take many months to roll out so more workers will need to self-isolate at home to contain the spread of the virus next year.
“Given the failure of the current sick pay regime, the Government must turn now to the far more successful job support schemes to provide workers and firms with the financial support they need to do the right thing.”
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said lack of decent sick pay was a “gaping hole” in the government’s Covid strategy.
“Asking workers to self-isolate on £96 a week is not viable – especially when many don’t have savings to fall back on,” she said.
“This problem needs fixing urgently. Until people are given sick pay they can survive on they will be forced to choose between following the health advice and paying their bills.”
She said sick pay should be hiked to the rate of real living wage and called on ministers to scrap rules preventing two million workers from claiming SSP as they do not earn enough.
A Treasury spokesperson said: “At the start of the pandemic we made statutory sick pay payable from day one and also extended it to those ill, self-isolating or shielding due to coronavirus.
“It is also the minimum amount an eligible employee is entitled to receive from their employer and over half of people receive more from their workplace through occupational sick pay.
"Those eligible also benefit from further support through measures such as the £500 Self-Isolation Support Payment Scheme and £20 a week increase to Universal Credit.”