Over three-quarters of Brits regularly pretend to be 'fine' - to avoid sounding negative

The Department of Work and Pensions has today announced a plan to close around 42 offices, and unions claim that "thousands" of jobs could be at risk.Thousands of benefits office staff were called to meetings at 10.30am today to be told about the changes.Thirteen of the 42 offices will be closed with "no other strategic site nearby" leaving some 1,300 workers either losing their jobs altogether or reapplying for work in another government department.Roughly another 29 offices are expected to shut with their 12,000 workers having to move to another site nearby.Many of the closures are in key parts of northern England, from Blackburn and Bradford to Washington and Stockton-on-Tees.Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey had recently described the DWP staff as 'exceptional', saying: “They are the hidden heroes for many people in this country. They should take great pride in their hard work and dedication to supporting people through these difficult times.”Shadow DWP minister Justin Madders said: "It looks as though the DWP doesn't believe in levelling up, it doesn't believe in its own rhetoric on jobs, and it doesn't believe in keeping people in work."Many of the closures are in areas of economic deprivation that can hardly afford to lose good quality, public sector jobs.

The concerned family of a missing man who has dementia is appealing for help to find him.

It might finally be safe to put away your winter coat until next year after weather experts have predicted that this week will see the hottest day of the year so far.The warmer weather is due to blast of dust from the Sahara blanketing Britain, Spain and France and turning skies orange. Yesterday, Brits shared pictures of the rust coloured dust landing in South East England.The phenomenon occurs when relatively high concentrations of red coloured dust or particles get mixed into rain, giving it a red appearance as it falls, according to the Met Office.The dust can be dangerous for people with lung conditions such as asthma and other allergies.

Former glamour model Katie Price has been charged for allegedly harassing Kieran Hayler’s wife-to-be, Michelle Pentecost. In the wake of the charges, the 43 year old will appear in court when she returns to the UK from Thailand, where she’s currently holidaying with fiance Carl Woods. Kieran and Katie were married between 2013 and 2018, and share two kids together; eight year old son Jett and daughter Bunny, seven.

KANYE West looked serious while attending a basketball game with his six-year-old son Saint on Wednesday. The rapper, 44, had been banned from Instagram hours before the game for attacking Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend Pete Davidson in a series of nasty posts.

Lucy Alexander, 51, has sparked concerns among Homes Under The Hammer fans as she gave an update on her trip to Spain.The presenter took to Instagram to show her 54,000 followers the “freak weather conditions” created by a storm from the Sahara Desert.Lucy took a video of herself showing the strong wind and orange-tinted sky after Spanish officials instructed the public to wear face masks while outside and to stay indoors where possible.She explained in the caption: “Away filming in Spain… Worst freak weather conditions.“No sun… just wind, rain and sand storms.” (sic)Lucy recorded herself on a balcony while her hair was blowing in the strong wind, which could be heard in the clip.“The weather’s been terrible. Look!” Lucy said as she panned to a view over the town.In a later update, the TV star could be seen already outside as she prepared to film with her colleagues.Lucy said: “If I didn’t have no hair, you wouldn’t know how windy it was.

Many Brits don’t believe washing your clothes, eating meat, or leaving appliances plugged in can be harmful to the environment.A poll of 2,000 adults found almost a third (29%) admit they are “in denial” when it comes to environmental issues, and hope the problem will just go away on its own.Just one in four (25%) consider online shopping to be bad for the planet, despite the carbon footprint of deliveries, while only 30% considered doing your laundry to have an environmental impact.Boiling the kettle, enjoying a BBQ, and leaving the tap running were also among the activities many don’t think are harmful to the environment.It also emerged eight in ten adults still do things they know are bad for the planet, with 43% claiming the lack of a better alternative gives them no choice.Others are unable to give up things to help the environment because alternatives are too expensive, or they don’t want to miss out on certain experiences.Teresa Arbuckle, managing director of Beko plc, supplier of home appliance brand Grundig, which commissioned the study to raise awareness of its FiberCatcher technology, said: “It is important for us as a nation to understand the extent to which our daily activities are having an impact on our planet.“Our purpose is to lead by example and inspire people to take small steps, starting from home, towards a better future.”The study also found nearly one in four adults (23%) admit they do more washing than needed, while 29% don’t always do a full load.Half of respondents (49%) didn’t realise the microfibres from their washing is one of the leading sources of plastic pollution - with the microfibres from synthetic clothes making their way into rivers and seas.And 65% were unaware humans can go on to

Arsenal are furious over the scheduling for crucial fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester United and have complained to the Premier League that "it's always" them.Mikel Arteta's side are firm favourites to qualify for the Champions League after silently creeping up the table - the Gunners have a one-point buffer over United in fifth with two games in hand. But the north Londoners are outraged at the Premier League's decision to schedule their fixture against Chelsea for April 20 - just three days before another crucial clash in the race for the top four.

Nicolas Anelka insists it’s ‘normal’ to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi slowing down — although he has expressed surprise at both players’ form this season.

Piers Morgan, Victoria Coren-Mitchell and Susie Dent have shared their happiness after Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was freed from Iran. Nazanin will return to her husband and seven-year-old daughter in the UK after being held in Iran since 2016. She was accused of plotting to overthrow their government, which she has always denied.

Dolly Parton’s wonderful face graces not just her own album covers (an impressive 52 so far), but kitschy prayer candles, cutesy greetings cards and a whole array of delightfully jazzy, extremely unofficial DIY merch. With a career spanning seven decades, Dolly isn’t simply a fiercely important musical artist, but a force for powerful cultural change.

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine will soon stall, as his faltering war machine is crippled by poor communications, outmoded tactics and devastatingly low morale.But even if the advancing columns of Russian tanks were to withdraw, Ukrainians’ misery might not be over.Dr Mike Martin, from The Department of War Studies at King's College in London, says that Putin’s most recent moves – such as signing up mercenaries from Syria and the Central African Republic to reinforce his demoralised troops - are “signs of desperation”.He rejected the notion that Middle Eastern and African fighters could boost the Russian war effort, claiming “they can’t tip up into a new theatre without kit and do anything except get massacred". But, Dr Martin warns, the next big danger for Ukraine could be civil war.

A man from Spain has been charged over alleged racist abuse at the Manchester United v Atletico Madrid match. Police said a report of racism was made to officers at the Champions League clash on Tuesday night (March 15). Daniel Del Saz Garcia has now been charged with a racially-aggravated public order offence.

Manchester United fans believe Amad Diallo has hinted at Erik ten Hag's imminent Old Trafford arrival. The Ajax boss has emerged as one of the frontrunners to be appointed United's new manager come the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino another leading candidate.

Meghan Markle is being sued for defamation by her half-sister.Samantha Markle, 57, claims the Duchess of Sussex launched a “pre-meditated campaign to destroy” her reputation.A defamation case has now been launched against her younger half-sister, suing her for $75,000 (£57,000) and demanding that Meghan pay her legal fees.In court documents, she cites the Duchess’ controversial US TV appearances on Oprah and Ellen as occasions where she “falsely claimed… she essentially raised herself from virtual poverty."Samantha also referenced the authors of Finding Freedom, a best-selling biography about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, claiming the book caused "damage" to her reputation.The lawsuit has now been addressed by Loose Women panelist and columnist Jane Moore who claimed "there's just one winner" Writing in her latest column for The Sun, Jane said: "The Duchess of Sussex is being sued by half-sister Samantha Markle over claims she made about their relationship to Oprah Winfrey.

Emmerdale star Charley Webb has expressed how much she misses her “old work family” in her latest instagram post featuring pictures of the actress enjoying a fun night with some of them.Charley, 34, known as Debbie Dingle on the ITV soap for more than 10 years, posted pictures out with her former colleagues and shared how much they meant to her.The snaps featured Emma Atkins, who played mum Charity, and former fictional dad Cain, played by Jeff Hordley, as well as other stars Zoe Henry and Eden Taylor-Draper.The post featured Charlie oozing her own eclectic style and wearing a beanie hat, leopard print tights under an over sized blazer and slouchy black boots.In one shot she posed next to her former co-star Jeff, draped on his shoulder with her tongue cheekily out.Charley captioned the photos: "I will forever love my old work family. My heart feels so full and grateful they came into my life all those years ago.

There were tears for Abi Webster on Coronation Street as husband Kevin made a reappearance as she waited for news on her baby son. Abi - and viewers - were shocked last week when she gave birth to a surprise baby, a boy she has since named Alife, at 28 weeks pregnant.

SNP Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has accused Gordon Brown of “blatant mendacity” over his criticisms of her cost-of-living response.

A Lanarkshire charity running eco-friendly initiatives has received over £6000 of funding to undertake some key projects.

Gina Kirschenheiter and Shannon Beador had it out with each other on Wednesday night's episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County on Bravo.Shannon, 57, pulled Gina, 37, aside at Jen Armstrong's brain scan party and said she wanted to talk because there were things she had been hearing that she wanted to clear up.'Gina multiple people have come to me and said ''Gina thinks that you are jealous of her'',' said Shannon. 'She's jealous of my business.' Jealousy claims: Shannon Beador finally confronted Gina Kirschenheiter for spreading rumors that she's jealous on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Orange County on Bravo'I never said that,' Gina protested.

Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner has weighed in on Dolly Parton’s recent request to be withdrawn from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee list.Faulkner shared his thoughts on Parton’s withdrawal on the March 15 episode of the Rock of Nations with Dave Kinchen podcast, calling it “a classy move”. “I think she recognises her brand, and it didn’t necessarily fit into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. And I think it raises questions to what the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’s brand is as well,” he said.“To call it the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and not have bands like Judas Priest in it from day one, I think, is a weird thing,” said Faulkner.