New data shows around 4m people on out-of-work benefits are exempt from job-seeking requirements, up 1.3m since the election. Critics say the PM is failing to tackle welfare dependency as unemployment hits a four-year high. Ministers face pressure ahead of the Autumn Statement.
Over four million people now receive universal credit without being required to look for work, about one million more than a year ago. Ministers cite transfers from legacy benefits and rising ill‑health. The surge is pressuring the welfare bill and is expected to spur reforms to boost employment.
At the National Memorial Arboretum, the Princess of Wales thanked veterans, meeting 100-year-old Royal Navy veteran Bill Reston. The visit marked Armistice Day and underlined remembrance and support for the armed forces community.
Unemployment has risen to 5%, with claims that around 1,000 jobs a day are being lost. About 180,000 roles have vanished in a year, 64,000 in the past two months. Critics blame the Chancellor’s policies, including higher NI for firms; the Treasury says wider economic pressures are to blame.
An I’m A Celebrity contestant says they’ll go commando in the Australian camp, claiming they won’t pack pants or trousers. Framed as a bit of fun, it’s set to add levity as the series gets under way, with campmates preparing for trials and the daily grind of jungle living.
Downing Street is braced for a possible leadership challenge amid unrest on Labour’s benches. Allies are being shielded and support tallied, with a contest seen likeliest after the Budget or May’s locals. The PM intends to fight on, while ministers urge MPs not to destabilise the government.
After resigning, BBC director-general Tim Davie defended the corporation over a bias row, arguing critics are overstating failings. He admitted mistakes but rejected claims of systemic partiality, emphasising public‑service values as scrutiny intensifies over governance and potential board changes.
Labour will revisit compensation for WASPI women, signalling a potential U-turn after accepting earlier findings should have been considered. Campaigners seek £10,000 each for 3.6m affected by state pension age changes. Backers hail progress; the Tories accuse delay, with decisions likely around the Budget.
UK unemployment rose to 5%, above forecasts, piling pressure on Reeves ahead of the Budget. Wage growth cooled, easing inflation risks and lifting gilts on hopes of BoE rate cuts. Business groups urged protection from tax rises as households face weaker pay momentum.
Departing BBC chief Tim Davie admitted costly mistakes and warned of the weaponisation of criticism, urging staff to defend impartial journalism. The broadcaster also faces a $1bn legal threat from Donald Trump over Panorama’s editing of his 6 January 2021 speech.