{"id":630287,"date":"2026-10-14T10:56:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T10:56:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/630287\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T10:56:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T10:56:37","slug":"pension-auto-enrolment-of-12-under-plans-to-be-considered-by-ministers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/630287\/","title":{"rendered":"Pension auto-enrolment of 12% under plans to be considered by ministers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ministers should raise employee and employer pension<\/a> contributions, with a recommendation of a minimum level of 12 per cent under serious consideration by the second Pensions Commission, The i Paper understands.<\/p>\n

Pensions commissioner Baroness Jeannie Drake said the \u201csolution\u201d to Britain\u2019s pension crisis is \u201cmore saving\u201d and that it is \u201cclear the best route to delivering this\u201d is through the automatic enrolment contribution rate.<\/p>\n

She said the commission is \u201cstill working\u201d on how to support lower earners and those in \u201crelatively stressful circumstances\u201d \u2013 including private renters \u2013 after the Government recently asked it to \u201clook at lower income people\u201d.<\/p>\n

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Man dies and two missing from fishing vessel off Scotland<\/p>\n

A man\u2019s body has been recovered, with two others still unaccounted for, after a fishing vessel went missing off the Outer Hebrides.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photographer: BaMa
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Photographer\u2019s Choice RF<\/p>\n

\nEverything we know so far\n<\/p>\n

HM Coastguard have said they were made aware of the missing ship, which was sailing off Port Ness on the Isle of Lewis, at around 9.20pm on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

\"LandscapeCaption: Landscape taken in Lewis with storm clouds and rain clouds in the sky. Beach in foreground
Photographer: Lynda Morris Photography
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Police Scotland were notified at about 11.35pm. The force said three men were aboard. <\/p>\n

The body of one man has been recovered. The man\u2019s family have been made aware and are being supported by officers.<\/p>\n

Search under way<\/p>\n

A Coastguard aeroplane, two helicopters, six rescue teams, two RNLI lifeboats, a local vessel and Police Scotland are involved in the search, which is being carried out amid a yellow weather warning for high winds in the region.<\/p>\n

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Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery<\/p>\n

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with cancer following a \u201csuccessful\u201d operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican has announced.<\/p>\n

\"PopeCaption: Pope Leo XIV waves from the window of the car as he leaves the Vatican before being admitted to Rome\u2019s Gemelli University Hospital for an operation to remove a lump from his lung, in the Vatican on 13 October 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: TIZIANA FABI
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

A common type of lung cancer<\/p>\n

Doctors confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer, after pre-planned surgery at Rome\u2019s Gemelli Hospital. Dr Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said cancer had been suspected by pre-operative tests.<\/p>\n

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7 min read<\/p>\n

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\nWhat else do we know?\n<\/p>\n

The surgery lasted around 90 minutes and had no complications. <\/p>\n

Pope Leo had a \u201cpeaceful night\u201d in hospital, where he is expected to remain for about a week.<\/p>\n

The 71-year-old pontiff cancelled all public events until 20 October to give him time to recover.<\/p>\n

Hope for quick recovery<\/p>\n

The Vatican did not give more details of the operation, but Margaritora is an expert in robotic surgical techniques and Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (Vats).<\/p>\n

Using small incisions by endoscopic instruments equipped with a high-definition camera, Vats reduces surgical trauma and can result in faster recovery.<\/p>\n

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Big Read<\/p>\n

7 min read<\/p>\n

\nReactions from religious leaders and supporters\n<\/p>\n

Archbishop Richard Moth, leader of the Catholics in England and Wales, said: \u201cI have sent a message on behalf of all in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, assuring him [the Pope] of our prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ROME,Caption: ROME, ITALY \u2013 OCTOBER 13: (EDITOR\u2019S NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY \u2013 NO MERCHANDISING). Pope Leo XIV greets faithful as he arrives at Gemelli Hospital on October 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. Pope Leo XIV is set to undergo surgery to remove a localized nodule in his lung, after it was discovered during a medical examination. He is expected to stay in hospital for approximately one week following the procedure. (Photo by Simone Risoluti \u2013 Vatican Media via Vatican Pool\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Vatican Pool
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Vatican Pool<\/p>\n

Large crowds gathered outside the hospital to wait for the Pope before his surgery. One well-wisher, Carla, told the BBC she was \u201ctaken aback\u201d by the news, adding: \u201cIt turns out he\u2019s vulnerable too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14<\/p>\n

Undated handout artist impression issued by University College London (UCL) of theropod dinosaur, Invictibellatrix amberina. A new species of dinosaur has been discovered from a fossil found on the Isle of Wight which has been \u201coverlooked\u201d for study for more than a century, researchers said. The dinosaur, a long-clawed predator the size of a large tiger is the first of a group of two-legged carnivores called megaraptorans to be found in Europe, according to the research team led by University College London (UCL). It has been named Invictibellatrix amberina, with the former meaning \u201cunconquered female warrior\u201d. Issue date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Sergey Krasovskiy and Pedro Salas\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Sergey Krasovskiy and Pedro Salas
Provider: Sergey Krasovskiy and Pedro Salas\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

New dinosaur species discovered from \u2018overlooked\u2019 fossil<\/p>\n

A new species of dinosaur has been identified from an \u201coverlooked\u201d fossil which was found on the Isle of Wight more than 100 years ago, researchers have said.<\/p>\n

\nThe history of the fossil\n<\/p>\n

The fossil, which was a piece of the back of a skull, was originally found at the foot of a cliff on the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight by amateur palaeontologist Reginald Walter Tooley. It was procured by the Natural History Museum in 1924. <\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14<\/p>\n

Undated handout photo of the newly identified theropod dinosaur, Invictibellatrix amberina. The oval hole is where the brain would have been. The fossil was acquired by the Natural History Museum in 1924. A new species of dinosaur has been discovered from a fossil found on the Isle of Wight which has been \u201coverlooked\u201d for study for more than a century, researchers said. The dinosaur, a long-clawed predator the size of a large tiger is the first of a group of two-legged carnivores called megaraptorans to be found in Europe, according to the research team led by University College London (UCL). It has been named Invictibellatrix amberina, with the former meaning \u201cunconquered female warrior\u201d. Issue date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London
Provider: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Military Road approaching Freshwater Bay (Photo: Lemanieh\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Dr Cassius Morrison of University College London said it was a \u201creal mystery\u201d why the fossil had been overlooked.<\/p>\n

A megaraptoran<\/p>\n

The new dinosaur, named Invictibellatrix amberina (with the former meaning \u201cunconquered female warrior\u201d), has long claws and is about the size of a large tiger.<\/p>\n

It is part of a group of agile, two-legged carnivores called megaraptorans. These were closely related to tyrannosaurus but had more slender heads and used their claws to attack prey rather than their jaws.<\/p>\n

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Explained<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

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4 min read<\/p>\n

A mysterious species<\/p>\n

Megaraptors are seen as the most mysterious of the large carnivorous dinosaurs, with few fossils found.<\/p>\n

Until this discovery, no megaraptorans had been found in Europe.<\/p>\n

Researchers suggest invictibellatrix would have been three to four meters long and just over a metre and a half tall.<\/p>\n

They also speculate it would likely have had feathers and 10-20cm long claws.<\/p>\n

Its diet is thought to have consisted of small dinosaurs, lizards and mammals.<\/p>\n

Rules, London\u2019s oldest restaurant, given to National Trust<\/p>\n

The home of Rules, London\u2019s oldest restaurant which has been there since 1798, has been donated to the National Trust.<\/p>\n

\"TheCaption: The sign outside Rules Restaurant in Covent Garden, London, UK, 3rd September 1984. (Photo by Graham Morris\/Daily Express\/Hulton Archive\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Graham Morris
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Hulton Archive<\/p>\n

National Trust ownership<\/p>\n

The charity said the donation of the \u00a311m site by J-P Mayhew, its owner of 40 years, would secure the future of a building where \u201ckings dined and writers and politicians plotted\u201d.<\/p>\n

The freehold acquisition included visitor books, menus, caricatures, photographs, stained glass and signs. Annual rent from the restaurant business will also go into conservation work.<\/p>\n

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Newsletter (\u00a3)<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

\nFamous diners\n<\/p>\n

Rules is no stranger to celebrity, having welcomed figures from Charles Dickens and Edward VII \u2013 who would rendezvous with his mistresses there \u2013 to David Bowie and Madonna over the past two centuries.<\/p>\n

\"EnglishCaption: English singer David Bowie (1947 \u2013 2016) performs on the set of his music video \u201cJump They Say\u201d in Los Angeles, California, March 1993. (Photo by Lester Cohen\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Lester Cohen
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Archive Photos<\/p>\n

\"EnglishCaption: English novelist Charles Dickens (1812 \u2013 1870), circa 1860. (Photo by Rischgitz\/Hulton Archive\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Rischgitz
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Hulton Archive
Copyright: 2012 Getty Images<\/p>\n

The restaurant, located at 34-35 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, central London, has outlasted empires and overcome challenges including the Blitz during the Second World War as well as plans for a dual carriageway.<\/p>\n

A long future ahead<\/p>\n

This place is an outstanding piece of living history\u2026 it has defied the odds to be standing here today, doors still open and treacle sponge still on the menu. Mr Mayhew\u2019s extraordinary generosity, and the care he has poured into Rules over many decades, mean this beloved place has a future measured not in years but generations.<\/p>\n

Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust<\/p>\n

\"RulesCaption: Rules restaurant on the 14th October 2019 in London in the United Kingdom. Rules was established in 1798. (photo by Sam Mellish \/ In Pictures via Getty Images)
Photographer: Sam Mellish
Provider: In Pictures via Getty Images
Source: In Pictures
Copyright: Sam Mellish<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

\u2018Heartbreaking\u2019 shot wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 PRINT USE ONLY. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM\u2019S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 MANDATORY CREDIT: Agorastos Papatsanis\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESTRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 20 (twenty) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer.
Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of fluorescent fungi, by Agorastos Papatsanis, from Greece, the winner of Plants and Fungi category in Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Issue date: Tuesday October 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Agorastos Papatsanis\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Agorastos Papatsanis
Provider: Agorastos Papatsanis\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

The winner has been crowned for the Natural History Museum\u2019s annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, ahead of an exhibition of the photos opening to the public later in the week.<\/p>\n

\nWinner \u2018says it all\u2019\n<\/p>\n

The title went to Federico Veronesi, from Italy, for his image, \u201cThe Aftermath\u201d, showing an elephant lifting the body of her dead calf. The chair of the judging panel described it as an emotional \u201cgut punch\u201d and \u201cheartbreakingly poignant\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 ONLINE USE ONLY. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM\u2019S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 MANDATORY CREDIT: James Lewin\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESTRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 20 (twenty) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer.
Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of a young bull elephant spraying a group of zebra at a waterhole in Kenya, by James Lewin, from United Kingdom, the winner of Animals in their Environment category in Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Issue date: Tuesday October 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: James Lewin\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: James Lewin
Provider: James Lewin\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 PRINT USE ONLY. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM\u2019S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 MANDATORY CREDIT: Federico Veronesi\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESTRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 20 (twenty) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer.
Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of a female elephant carrying a dead calf in Huab River Valley in Namibia, by Federico Veronesi, from Italy, the winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Issue date: Tuesday October 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Federico Veronesi\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Federico Veronesi
Provider: Federico Veronesi\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

An elephant-themed image also triumphed in the \u2018Animals in their Environment\u2019 category with James Lewin\u2019s shot, one of five British photographers to win a category.<\/p>\n

Telling animals\u2019 stories<\/p>\n

The winning entry from Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year featured a dung beetle pushing its cargo, which judges praised for revealing \u201can entire story\u201d. <\/p>\n

Loren Elliott from the USA won the Photojournalist Story award with a shot of a coyote walking above the Bay of San Francisco.<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 PRINT USE ONLY. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM\u2019S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 MANDATORY CREDIT: Oscar Whitfield\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESTRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 20 (twenty) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer.
Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of a dung beetle pushing a ball of dung, by Oscar Whitfield, from United Kingdom but living in Zimbabwe, the winner of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Issue date: Tuesday October 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Oscar Whitfield\/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Oscar Whitfield
Provider: Oscar Whitfield\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"RETRANSMITTINGCaption: RETRANSMITTING AMENDING CAPTION CORRECT CAPTION BELOW<\/p>\n

EMBARGOED TO 2330 TUESDAY OCTOBER 13 PRINT USE ONLY. NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE, NO CROPPING. CAN ONLY BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM\u2019S WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2026 MANDATORY CREDIT: Loren Elliott\/Wildlife Photographer of the Year Copyright in this image is retained by the photographer. THE FOLLOWING MUST APPEAR CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY IN EDITORIAL COPY: Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. USAGE RESTRICTIONS: Maximum number of images within a publication or website is up to 20 (twenty) images across multiple editions and pages unless otherwise agreed in writing between the publication and the Natural History Museum. All front cover requests must be approved by the Natural History Museum and the photographer.<\/p>\n

Undated handout photo issued by Natural History Museum of A coyote pads along a trail in Bernal Heights Park, overlooking the city and bay of San Francisco by Loren Elliott, USA, the Winner, Photojournalist Story Award in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Issue date: Tuesday October 13, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Loren Elliott \/PA Wire <\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Loren Elliott
Provider: Loren Elliott \/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

Families forced to spend thousands on travel for sick kids<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14<\/p>\n

Undated GOSH Charity handout photo of Woody Grimwade (centre) with his mother Laurie and father Dave. Woody was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease in 2021. Families with seriously ill children should be supported with their travel expenses, leading experts have warned as one family revealed they had spent in excess of ??12,000 taking their son to appointments. Provisions are already in place to help families of children with cancer get to and from vital appointments. But experts from the Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) Charity said that this scheme should be extended so families of children diagnosed with a serious illness can also receive assistance. Issue date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Laurie B\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Laurie B
Provider: Laurie B\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s health specialists have recommended extra funding to help families get to hospitals for treatment, after one family spent \u00a312,000 travelling to Great Ormond Street Hospital.<\/p>\n

\nTravel costs burden families\n<\/p>\n

Experts from the hospital, which sees around 81,500 children and young people a year, are calling for funding to cover travel costs for all children with serious illnesses.<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14<\/p>\n

Undated GOSH Charity handout photo of Woody Grimwade, who was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease in 2021. Families with seriously ill children should be supported with their travel expenses, leading experts have warned as one family revealed they had spent in excess of ??12,000 taking their son to appointments. Provisions are already in place to help families of children with cancer get to and from vital appointments. But experts from the Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) Charity said that this scheme should be extended so families of children diagnosed with a serious illness can also receive assistance. Issue date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Laurie B\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Laurie B
Provider: Laurie B\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14<\/p>\n

Undated GOSH Charity handout photo of Woody Grimwade, who was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease in 2021. Families with seriously ill children should be supported with their travel expenses, leading experts have warned as one family revealed they had spent in excess of ??12,000 taking their son to appointments. Provisions are already in place to help families of children with cancer get to and from vital appointments. But experts from the Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) Charity said that this scheme should be extended so families of children diagnosed with a serious illness can also receive assistance. Issue date: Wednesday October 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: GOSH Charity\/PA Wire<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: GOSH Charity
Provider: GOSH Charity\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Laura Grimwade, whose 12-year-old son Woody has a rare autoimmune disease, estimates her family will have spent \u00a315,000 travelling to and from Plymouth to hospitals in London by the time he is 18. <\/p>\n

She said a fund would make \u201csuch a difference\u201d.<\/p>\n

Scheme should be extended, say doctors<\/p>\n

\"LONDONGreat Ormond Street Hospital in central London is the UK\u2019s largest children\u2019s hospital (Source: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Government has already committed \u00a310m of travel funding to families of children with cancer.<\/p>\n

Doctors say this is a good start but other families should not miss out.<\/p>\n

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4 min read<\/p>\n

silicosis<\/p>\n

The shocking human cost of UK\u2019s killer kitchens revealed<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Cahal Milmo<\/p>\n

Chief Reporter<\/p>\n

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors found hundreds of breaches of health and safety law at more than 160 firms, with workers exposed to \u201cbillowing\u201d silica dust, and issued an immediate ban to 50 firms.<\/p>\n

\nWhat is silicosis?\n<\/p>\n

The threat posed by the man-made stone comes from so-called \u201cdry cutting\u201d whereby particles are emitted in a fine dust as slabs are cut.<\/p>\n

Engineered stone often contains as much as 95 per cent silica quartz \u2013 far higher than natural stone such as granite (about 30 per cent).<\/p>\n

When engineered quartz dust\u00a0is inhaled, it lodges in the lungs, triggering an aggressive immune response from the body.<\/p>\n

Over time, scar tissue forms and spreads, slowly killing the lung. Many sufferers of silicosis remain asymptomatic until it is too late.<\/p>\n

\nHundreds of breaches\n<\/p>\n

\"LukeCaption: Luke Bunker, 29, a stonemason from Royston, Cambridgeshire, who was diagnosed with silicosis and emphysemia after working for 10 years at a firm cutting quartz worktops <\/p>\n

(Photos: Supplied by Irwin Mitchell law firm)<\/p>\n

Unannounced visits by the\u00a0HSE to workshops producing kitchen counters made from in-demand quartz have revealed hundreds of breaches of regulations designed to protect workers from inhaling toxic dust responsible for\u00a0silicosis, an incurable and often\u00a0fatal lung condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Killer Kitchens<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

Cases of deadly lung disease could reach 1,000<\/p>\n

Almost 60 stonemasons in the UK have so far been diagnosed with silicosis, with many falling ill or dying in their 20s, 30s and 40s.<\/p>\n

Doctors believe the true number of silicosis cases is much higher and could reach as many as 1,000 people\u00a0in a workforce of 7,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Killer Kitchens<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

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Exclusive<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

The verdict from the HSE<\/p>\n

Safety bosses said the inspection regime had revealed a\u00a0\u201cvery mixed picture\u201d of safety standards in the kitchen worktop industry.<\/p>\n

Harvey Wild, HSE\u2019s head of operations, said: \u201cWhere we\u2019re finding things that are wrong, there isn\u2019t just one thing wrong \u2013 there\u2019s multiple things wrong. We\u2019re taking a very strong enforcement line and people are getting multiple notices.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SunA stone countertop fabricator in in Sun Valley, California. The state could become the first in the US to ban engineered stone (Photo: Brian van der Brug\/Getty)<\/p>\n

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Killer Kitchens<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

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Currently, the default workplace pension<\/a> contribution rate is 8 per cent, which includes a minimum contribution of 3 per cent from employers. Think-tanks and sector leaders have long called for the total pension contribution rate to rise gradually to 12 per cent \u2013 with employers contributing 6 per cent \u2013 to help people build up their retirement savings.<\/p>\n

But this is not considered adequate to meet a projected pensions crisis with an ageing population and those retiring in 2050 \u2013 aged in their mid-40s now \u2013 expected to have lower private pensions than those retiring now.<\/p>\n

\u2018Finish the job\u2019<\/p>\n

It is understood the Pensions Commission has not settled on a final figure to recommend, or how much of it should be covered by employers, but increasing the auto-enrolment contribution rate is part of the commission\u2019s mission to \u201cfinish the job\u201d started by Adair Turner.<\/p>\n

He led the first Pensions Commission and proposed a low-cost nationwide pensions savings scheme which automatically enrolled people in 2005, which the former Labour government enacted under the 2008 Pensions Act.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But the move could cause backlash from businesses, which would be forced to pay an additional \u00a39.8bn if total contributions were increased to 12 per cent on all earnings, with 6 per cent of this coming from employers, according to analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Speaking during a keynote address at the Pensions UK conference in Liverpool, Baroness Drake signalled that the commission will recommend that employers should take on part of the burden.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf employer contributions do not go up, how will we prevent millions from failing to save towards adequate retirement and avoid increasing reliance on means-tested benefits in old age by millions of people,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She said the commission is considering how to boost retirement savings for people on low incomes.<\/p>\n

Ministers have the option of removing the current \u00a36,240 lower earnings threshold for automatic enrolment, meaning contributions would be calculated from the first pound earned rather than only on income above that level. This would be one way of increasing savings for lower earners and part-time workers.<\/p>\n

Former minister: \u2018I\u2019d be delighted if we get there by 2025\u2019<\/p>\n

Former pensions minister under the Conservative government, Guy Opperman<\/a>, said there is \u201cno doubt that the UK automatic enrolment will get to 12 per cent; the better question is when\u201d, adding: \u201cIf we got to 12 per cent by 2035, I\u2019d be delighted.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Opperman, the Tory pensions minister from 2017-2022 who now works as a strategic adviser for the consultancy firm Aptia, warned that increasing the minimum auto-enrolment rate means employers and employees will be \u201cpaying more at a time when cost of living is tight\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said the Government is likely to take on the Pension Commission\u2019s recommendation, but said \u201cthe question is time\u201d. Any changes would have to come after the next general election, which is currently due by 2029 at the latest, as the Government has explicitly ruled out increases in contribution rates for the rest of this Parliament.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last month, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee said the Government had no current plans to increase minimum contributions, although its Pensions Commission is examining the long-term adequacy and fairness of the system.<\/p>\n

But there have long been calls for the minimum rate to increase to 12 per cent. Pensions UK said the Government must set a clear timetable to increase the automatic enrolment contributions to 12 per cent, shared equally between employers and employees.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The IFS has proposed a targeted 12 per cent default total contribution rate specifically for earnings above \u00a335,000, rather than a blanket increase for all workers, to protect low-income workers from reduced take-home pay.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The respected think-tank has also suggested that the age range targeted by automatic enrolment should be expanded from 22 to 16 to \u201chelp even more in paid work save for later life\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

London Economics think tank called for a \u201chybrid approach\u201d where mid-earners should increase their contributions to 12 per cent, but lower earners should be \u201cprotected\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Speaking at a Pensions UK conference in Liverpool, Carl Emmerson \u2013 partner at London Economics think-tank and former deputy director of the IFS \u2013 suggested a \u201cphased increase\u201d in the default pension contribution rate to 12 per cent of qualifying earnings for middle earners, with the option to opt down to 8 per cent. The proposal applies to people earning between \u00a325,000 and \u00a365,000.<\/p>\n

Baroness Drake warned that increasing automatic enrolment contributions \u201cwon\u2019t be without difficulties, although it\u2019s necessary\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Trade-offs over more saving<\/p>\n

\u201cMore saving is not costless,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are trade-offs for all three key parties: the state will spend more on tax; employers will have to plan for changes to their overall remuneration budget, and some individuals will have lower take-home pay for a period.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said there are currently 15 million \u201cunder-savers\u201d in the UK, which would grow to 19 million \u201cwithout action\u201d \u2013 accounting for half the working age population. She noted the UK has the lowest savings rate in the G7 and it has worsened since the pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone has to play a part in responding to this challenge because when we identify the solution, it has to hold over the long term,\u201d she said. \u201cPensions, ageing populations are a 30-40 year project. It\u2019s not one to be altered arbitrarily every so often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 20 years\u2019 time, I don\u2019t want members of another commission in 2050 to be standing in front of a Pensions UK conference reminding us of a lost opportunity. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finish Turner\u2019s job,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Zoe Alexander, chief policy officer at Pensions UK, said: \u201cWith the Second Pensions Commission finalising the package of proposals that will form its final report due next Spring, we are approaching crunch time for political decision-making on pensions adequacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncreasing automatic enrolment contributions to 12 per cent, shared equally between employers and employees, is the right decision to deliver long-term household financial security, something this Government has said it cares deeply about.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur research shows the public understand that under-saving is a serious national challenge, and employers are much more open to higher contributions when changes are phased and clearly signalled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow is the time to set a timetable. Delaying reform risks consigning future generations to low retirement incomes and benefit dependency.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: \u201cThe\u202fGovernment recognises that millions are not saving enough for their retirement. That is why\u202flast year we\u202frevived the Pensions Commission to review our pensions system as a whole for the next parliament.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commission is examining how we can ensure secure retirements for tomorrow\u2019s pensioners and it will publish a final report and recommendations in early 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ministers should raise employee and employer pension contributions, with a recommendation of a minimum level of 12 per…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":630288,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[138,246,111,139,69,12613,244,245,270,4578],"class_list":["post-630287","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-personal-finance","tag-business","tag-finance","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-pensions","tag-personal-finance","tag-personalfinance","tag-politics-news","tag-savings"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/630287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=630287"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/630287\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/630288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=630287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=630287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=630287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}