Birmingham hospital swimming pool to close over safety risks
The Morris Centre pool at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital will shut indefinitely due to major building repairs. The closure impacts NHS staff, veterans, and community groups.
The Morris Centre pool at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital will shut indefinitely due to major building repairs. The closure impacts NHS staff, veterans, and community groups.
Aldi, Lidl, M&S and others shut stores on 26 December, prioritising staff wellbeing over sales. Discover why high streets feel 'eerie' and which shops are open.
From dazzling lights to bulky Santa suits, discover the surprising UK laws that could result in fines of up to £5,000 this Christmas Day. Stay safe and avoid a festive penalty.
The Met Office predicts a mostly dry, cold, and bright Christmas Day 2025 for the UK, with a brisk wind and a very low chance of snow. Find out the full festive forecast.
Discover the complete festive TV listings for Christmas Day 2025. Find out what films and specials are on BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Plan your perfect day of viewing.
Olivia Attwood, Pete Wicks and Strictly's Luba Mushtuk explain their reasons for a solo Christmas Day in 2025. Discover why they're choosing solitude this festive season.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer uses his Christmas message to thank NHS staff, emergency services and volunteers working over the festive period, as new figures reveal 1.2 million will be on duty.
Hospital staff working on Christmas Day across Mid and South Essex receive hampers as a thank you. The festive treats recognise their dedication and sacrifice.
Thousands of former coal industry staff see pensions rise by 41% as a £2.3bn government reserve is handed over. Find out who qualifies and why.
Your complete guide to the Christmas Eve TV schedule for 2025, featuring festive films, specials, and shows across all major UK channels. Plan your viewing now!
Maternity staff at Swansea's Singleton Hospital rallied to provide Christmas gifts for women in a local refuge, with all 20 tags claimed in under 45 minutes. Discover their heart-warming act of kindness.
Maternity staff at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, showed incredible compassion, buying Christmas gifts for every woman in a local domestic abuse refuge in just 45 minutes. Read about this heart-warming community initiative.
Thousands of ex-miners to receive a £100 weekly pension increase and a £5,500 average lump sum just before Christmas. The move follows the release of a £2.3bn government reserve fund. Read the full story.
Nearly 40,000 former UK mineworkers will see a 41% pension increase, averaging £100 extra per week plus a £5,500 lump sum. Discover the details of this historic payout.
Discover how dedicated staff from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are working over Christmas to bring joy and support to patients in wards and care homes across Essex.
Staff shortages cause major CrossCountry train cancellations and delays through Birmingham New Street on Dec 22, disrupting travel from Nottingham to Cardiff. Check your journey.
Melly May Lynch, 29, spent two days and £250 embracing the nostalgic 'tacky Christmas' TikTok trend in her North Wales home. Discover her festive transformation and the hunt for 90s decorations.
A London CEO has splashed £100,000 on lavish Christmas gifts for his team, including a £44k Range Rover and a holiday to Barcelona. Discover how his generosity is boosting morale and business.
Birmingham's Bullring urges kindness to retail staff this Christmas. The 'be kind' campaign aims to protect workers during the busy festive season. Read more and show your support.
Find the full list of 42 Wetherspoons pubs open in the West Midlands on Christmas Day 2024, offering festive meals and company for those alone. Discover your local.
NHS workers must link their Uber account to an NHS email by 11.59pm on Dec 21 to claim £30 in festive discounts for rides and food on Christmas Day.
Royal Mail warns of significant delivery delays in 60 UK postcodes due to staff sickness and festive mail volumes. Check if your area is affected and see advice for last-minute parcels.
Uber is thanking NHS and HSC staff with discounted rides and Uber Eats vouchers this Christmas. Find out how frontline healthcare workers can claim the festive offer.
Polestar unveils a bi-directional EV charger that can cut energy costs by £1,000 a year. The tech turns your car into a home power source. Discover how this innovation works.
The Prince of Wales in West Bromwich could be permanently shut down after door staff used 'excessive force' and a weapon in a violent incident. Read the full story and the upcoming council decision.
Eight dedicated staff from Cygnet Elms in Birmingham are finalists in the Stars of Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards. Discover their inspiring stories.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next steps. Find out where to see the festive lorry, get a free drink, and capture perfect holiday photos.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Uswitch reveals festive decorations could add £15.87 to your energy bill this December. See the full list of costs and tips to save money on your Christmas lights.