{"id":665264,"date":"2026-06-30T01:27:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T01:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/665264\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T01:27:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T01:27:17","slug":"the-country-set-to-raise-its-pension-age-to-70","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/665264\/","title":{"rendered":"The country set to raise its pension age to 70"},"content":{"rendered":"

Working until 70 and losing the right to collect your pension<\/a> early are among the changes Germany<\/a> is considering as it tries to stop its retirement payment system becoming unaffordable.<\/p>\n

An expert commission has recommended gradually raising the retirement age in line with life expectancy, tightening access to early retirement, and introducing compulsory retirement savings invested through a central fund.<\/p>\n

The proposals are designed to reduce pressure on a system that relies heavily on today\u2019s workers funding today\u2019s pensioners<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The feeling of dread that the weekend is over is all too familiar.<\/p>\n

Here, psychologists, career consultants and sleep experts give their best advice on how
to beat the gloom that the
work week is looming\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Woman(Photo: Getty).<\/p>\n

\nHow to beat the Sunday scaries\n<\/p>\n

Pave the way on Friday<\/p>\n

Psychologist Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack says to wrap up tasks and not to leave big or difficult things for Monday. And write a to-do list for the next week so you know what to expect when you return after the weekend.<\/p>\n

\"YoungYoung man practicing meditation in nature at sunrise \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\"Working from home is being blamed by some councils for the rise in fraudulent \u2018polygamous\u2019 working (Photo: Moment RF\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Get outside early<\/p>\n

Doctor Naheed Ali says getting out on a Sunday morning \u2013 not sleeping late \u2013 helps regulate the circadian rhythm that can become skewed over the weekend.<\/p>\n

\nHow to avoid Sunday scaries\n<\/p>\n

On Sunday spend time away from technology to allow yourself a personal reset away from doom scrolling.<\/p>\n

\"RelaxingRelaxing with dog on sofa \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Rebrand your Sunday evenings from a daunting time to relaxing. Career consultant Victoria McLean goes out for dinner or reads something unrelated to work.<\/p>\n

She also doesn\u2019t check her inbox on a Sunday night as it can begin the dread.<\/p>\n

\nHow to beat the Sunday scaries\n<\/p>\n

\"SleepSleep tourism in hotel. Exhausted woman sleeps sweetly in bed in the morning \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Sleep well<\/p>\n

Put yourself in the best position to rest by avoiding large meals, screens and caffeine.<\/p>\n

Structure your week<\/p>\n

If possible don\u2019t stack your Mondays with high-pressure tasks.<\/p>\n

\"CaucasianCaucasian mid adult patient writing a diary while recovering in the hospital ward \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"CheerfulCheerful aged woman, senior intern waving, saying goodbye to her young colleagues while leaving office after first day at work \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Find the fun daily<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just save joyful things for the weekend. On lunch breaks, try to do something you enjoy.<\/p>\n

\"The(Photo: Getty).<\/p>\n

Sometimes, you
need to listen.<\/p>\n

If the Sunday scaries are constant, listen to them. If every Sunday fills you with dread and nothing seems to quell it it\u2019s worth asking if it\u2019s the job, the culture or the career itself. No one should spend half their weekend bracing for impact\u2026 \u201d says Victoria McLean<\/p>\n

The UK has one of the most stable\u00a0electricity grids\u00a0in the world.<\/p>\n

But no country\u2019s energy system is 100 per cent secure and large-scale blackouts, although rare, are possible. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to prepare, and what could happen, if we do have a blackout.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The immediate effects <\/p>\n

If the UK\u2019s power went down tomorrow, these are the ways it is likely to impact you first.<\/p>\n

You\u2019d get stuck in lifts, wherever you are in the lift shaft.<\/p>\n

Trains would be stopped as the signals depend on electricity.<\/p>\n

Traffic lights would stop working on the roads \u2013 leading to congestion or crashes.<\/p>\n

Contactless payments are likely to fail.<\/p>\n

Your Wi-Fi at home would stop working and communication becomes difficult.<\/p>\n

Fridges and freezers will turn off \u2013 unless you have a standalone generator \u2013 and food will spoil over time.<\/p>\n

Hospitals and water treatment works have their own backup generators so will keep going until their supply runs out.<\/p>\n

How transport would be affected<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This photograph taken on April 29, 2026 shows people charging their electric vehicles at a charging station in Kathmandu. As global fuel markets reel from the Middle East war, motorists in Nepal are increasingly turning to electric vehicles, with high demand putting a strain on dealerships. (Photo by Prakash MATHEMA \/ AFP via Getty Images) \/ TO GO WITH \u2018Nepal-Transport-Automobile-Energy\u2019 FOCUS
Photographer: PRAKASH MATHEMA
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

For EV owners that are already on the road, Professor Keith Bell, who works in electricity planning, recommends that those with an EV with reasonable charge use it as a generator, like your own store of electricity. <\/p>\n

In the case of the power system going down, petrol isn\u2019t a totally safe option as queues at petrol stations could be huge and places are likely to run out of fuel. <\/p>\n

\nThe longer term effects\n<\/p>\n

The longer the power takes to return the worse things are likely to get. In 2021 Storm Arwen physically damaged power lines across the UK.<\/p>\n

\"AWithout nuclear to take the strain, that exposure to gas is costing us dear (Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"FILECaption: FILE PHOTO: A row of electricity pylons is seen near the Frodsham on shore wind farm in Frodsham, Britain, September 5, 2023. REUTERS\/Phil Noble\/File Photo
Photographer: Phil Noble
Provider: REUTERS
Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n

During the 1977 New York blackout, which lasted 25 hours, there was civil unrest, resulting in widespread looting and arson, although intense heatwaves are thought to have exacerbated the situation.<\/p>\n

\nThings to buy now to prepare\n<\/p>\n

\"GreatThe Russian state-owned Sputnik news agency took over the BBC\u2019s radio frequency in Lebanon (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Battery radio<\/p>\n

To get updates during a power cut \u2013 a car radio can be used, but in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside.<\/p>\n

Bottled water<\/p>\n

A minimum of 2.5-3 litres of drinking water per person per day is recommended.<\/p>\n

\"PlasticCaption: Plastic bottle with clean water on a blue background.
Photographer: SimpleImages
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

\"TOPSHOTA Cuban rides his bike during a nation wide blackout in Havana on 21 March (Photo: Yamil Lage\/AFP\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Wind-up torch<\/p>\n

The Government recommends opting for torches over candles, for safety reasons.<\/p>\n

\nHow to prepare\n<\/p>\n

A blackout is unlikely but we should make small changes.<\/p>\n

If possible, don\u2019t let your petrol tank run down to almost empty. Keep it over half full so you\u2019re never caught short.<\/p>\n

Always have a portable power bank, and spare batteries, to charge your phone and other essentials.<\/p>\n

As card machines could fail, keep some cash at home.<\/p>\n

To keep yourself distracted and entertained, keep board games and a pack of cards handy to play. <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Eight easy ways to stop
your child spending summer glued to their devices<\/p>\n

Not all screen time is bad<\/p>\n

Using screens in a way that benefits your\u00a0child\u2019s development\u00a0is key and balancing educational content and entertainment with offline activities ensures a well-rounded routine.<\/p>\n

DR GUMMER<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nHow to keep your kids off screens\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Outdoor activities<\/p>\n

For younger children, try scavenger hunts, garden games and nature walks. For older ones, hikes
and biking trips.<\/p>\n

Create a schedule<\/p>\n

Designated screen-free times helps children develop a routine that balances screen use with other activities.<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: Mid adult man with eyeglasses sitting on a comfortable sofa at home, thoughtfully writing notes in a small notebook while natural sunlight illuminates the room
Photographer: Milan Markovic
Provider: Getty Images
Source: E+<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Family game nights<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an excellent way
to bond and develop critical thinking skills.<\/p>\n

\nHow to keep your kids off screens\n<\/p>\n

Creative hobbies<\/p>\n

Getting creative, through drawing, painting or model construction, enhances cognitive skills and offers an alternative to screens.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Social interaction<\/p>\n

Arrange playdates or group activities with friends, or for older kids try an overnight camping trip in the garden.<\/p>\n

\nHow to keep your kids off screens\n<\/p>\n

Lead by example<\/p>\n

Showing that you value offline time encourages your children to do the same.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Have a reward<\/p>\n

Implement a reward system where screen time is earned through positive behaviour.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Open conversations<\/p>\n

Discuss the importance of balancing screen time with your children so they understand the reasons behind the rules.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Can following a particular diet
help prevent or delay\u00a0dementia?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some studies suggest so. <\/p>\n

These are the eight brain-boosting foods registered dietitian\u00a0Fareeha Jay
recommends people consume as part of a weekly diet\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nFoods that can cut dementia risk\n<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A detail of cracked egg falling into the pan as woman holds egg shells in both hands.
Photographer: SimpleImages
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Eggs<\/p>\n

They contain several nutrients thought to\u00a0support brain health, including choline, vitamin B12 and iodine.<\/p>\n

Coffee<\/p>\n

Caffeine can reduce inflammation and
slow the degeneration
of brain cells.<\/p>\n

\"BaristaBarista hand making cappuccino Coffee with espresso machine in cafe \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"RoastingCooking fruit and vegetables (Photor: GMVozd\/Getty Images\/E+)<\/p>\n

Broccoli<\/p>\n

It\u2019s packed with antioxidants and high in vitamin K, which is essentially for healthy brain cells.<\/p>\n

Fibre is overlooked in dementia prevention<\/p>\n

\"CookieCaption: Cookie jar, tea, wine, nuts, books, lit candles and Christmas decorations on the table. Cozy Christmas hygge at home. Selective focus.
Photographer: Jelena990
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

To increase fibre intake, include wholegrains, nuts, seeds, lentils, and legumes.<\/p>\n

Fermented foods also support brain health by improving the gut microbiome.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

\nFoods that can cut dementia risk\n<\/p>\n

\"\"(Photo: Joff Lee\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Oily fish<\/p>\n

Your brain uses Omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells \u2013 so a diet rich in them may\u00a0slow age-related mental decline.<\/p>\n

Walnuts<\/p>\n

These improve heart health markers, which is linked to a lower risk of neurological disorders.<\/p>\n

\"VariousHealth professionals are nuts about nuts \u2013 with good reason!<\/p>\n

\"ASupermarkets report increasing demand for blueberries (Photo: RHS\/Guy Harrop)<\/p>\n

Blueberries<\/p>\n

They contain compounds which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, cognitive function, and memory.<\/p>\n

\nThe Mind diet\n<\/p>\n

The diet aims to reduce\u00a0dementia risk\u00a0and the decline in brain health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was created in 2015 by Dr Martha Clare Morris and colleagues at Rush University Medical Centre and the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.<\/p>\n

It encourages vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fish, beans, and poultry.<\/p>\n

These foods contain nutrients that promote good brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.<\/p>\n

\"D?sseldorf,The Midlife MOT is open to all and covers three key areas: work, wealth and well-being (Photo: Westend61\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Feeling insecure at work
in your 50s? You\u2019re not alone <\/p>\n

The final decades of work<\/p>\n

There\u2019s this assumption about being put out to pasture\u2026 but now that we\u2019re living and working longer, we have to challenge myths around ageing and remember that over-50s are a crucial part of the workforce\u2026<\/p>\n

LYNDSEY SIMPSON, AUTHOR OF AGE REBELLION AND FOUNDER OF 55\/REDEFINED<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe current situation\n<\/p>\n

By 2030, almost half of all employees in the UK workforce will be over 50.<\/p>\n

36%<\/p>\n

Now one in three workers are over 50.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Yet more than a third of those between 50 and 69 believe that their age puts them at a disadvantage when they apply for jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

37%<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Age Without Limits\u00a0study from 2024 shows that 37 per cent of workers between 51 to 70 felt badly treated in work because of their age.<\/p>\n

\nThe things to do, says Simpson\n<\/p>\n

\"OnlineMore and more people are using AI for counselling (Photo: Oscar Wong\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Keep learning new skills<\/p>\n

We need the same level of career planning in
our fifties as our twenties. It\u2019s possible to reinvent yourself again.<\/p>\n

Embrace technology<\/p>\n

It\u2019s nonsense that older people can\u2019t pick up how to use new tech.<\/p>\n

\"John?rCaption: John?r Bildbyr? AB
+46 8 644 83 30
www.johner.se
info@johner.se
sales@johner.se
Photographer: Johner Images
Provider: Getty Images\/Johner RF
Source: Johner RF
Copyright: John?r Images\/Lisa ?berg<\/p>\n

\"ThisCaption: This is a photo of a woman clutching a pink piggy bank labelled pension. See PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Alamy\/PA<\/p>\n

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FINANCE Pension Pots<\/p>\n

Photographer: Alamy\/PA
Provider: Alamy\/PA
Source: PA<\/p>\n

Think about money<\/p>\n

Do you need a pay rise? Could you trade some of that money you earn, to work a bit less, and do more things you enjoy?<\/p>\n

\nThe things not to do\n<\/p>\n

Become full-time childcare<\/p>\n

Grandparenting on the horizon? If you don\u2019t want to do childcare, have the conversation early \u2013 even before a child becomes pregnant \u2013 that you plan to continue working and love your job.<\/p>\n

\"IndoorCaption: Indoor image of thoughtful puzzled senior woman with gray hair in glasses looking at paycheck holding head in hand, upset with high rent charge, sitting at kitchen table in front of laptop
Photographer: shurkin_son
Provider: Getty Images
Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n

\"GrandparentsGrandparents and granddaughter gardening together \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Accept redundancy too quickly<\/p>\n

It\u2019s going to be so much harder to get back into work if you don\u2019t have a plan before you take that leap.<\/p>\n

\nThe things not to do\n<\/p>\n

Rush into retirement<\/p>\n

\"SeniorSenior bed woman problem pain headache home elderly mature pain bedroom upset unhappy female caucasian adult relationship retirement old difficulty ache head sick migraine hangover sleep \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Everybody thinks early retirement is the dream but the reality can be different. There can be loneliness, lack of purpose and a sense of invisibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

5 min read<\/p>\n

By November, UK food prices\u00a0will be 50 per cent higher than they were at the start of the\u00a0cost-of-living crisis\u00a0<\/p>\n

With that in mind, food editor Sophie Morris shares how she saves money on her weekly shop<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

\"NORTHWICH,Caption: NORTHWICH, ENGLAND \u2013 JULY 06: Whole chicken sit on display in a Tesco supermarket on July 06, 2022 in Northwich, England. The British Retail Consortium recently said food manufacturers and supermarkets are having to pass on some of the cost of soaring raw materials to consumers, leading to the price of basic goods throughout the UK rising at the fastest pace since September 2008. Fresh food prices increased by 6% in the year to June 2022 coupled with an increase in inflation, and fuel and energy prices to create a cost of living crisis. This is leading to millions of low-income households going without essentials items, falling behind on bills and taking on debt. (Photo by Christopher Furlong\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Christopher Furlong
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe<\/p>\n

Avoid chicken breast<\/p>\n

Boneless chicken thighs are all meat and a much tastier product.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t plan everything<\/p>\n

If you plan every meal all week, there\u2019s no leeway for necessary last-minute changes of plan (or leftovers).<\/p>\n

\"ManMan Cooking By Woman Chopping Carrots In Kitchen \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"YoungGovernments are not all powerful when it comes to huge international forces like those increasing global food prices (Photo: Oscar Wong\/Getty Images\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

Shop alone<\/p>\n

There are so many products that children want to fill the trolley with \u2013 all kinds of exciting eye candy.\u00a0It\u2019s cheaper to go alone.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Consider a vegetable box delivery<\/p>\n

Having a Riverford box delivery helps Morris avoid impulse buys and go to the shops
less \u2013 even though the box is pricey. \u201cIt is expensive, but of great quality\u00a0and organic\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"AMilk and potatoes prices are expected to increases sharply later this year, say supply chain experts (Photo: Kate Wieser\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"LowLow carb, FODMAP diet food background with vegetables, fruits, smoked salmon, chicken fillet, greens, nuts, olives. Menu for healthy eating . \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Track your spending<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t need to be an elaborate spreadsheet but without some kind of metric, it\u2019s impossible to spot where you
can or must make cutbacks.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

\"LoyaltyThe supermarket loyalty schemes vary in their generosity (Photo: Paul Childs\/Reuters)<\/p>\n

Look for yellow stickers<\/p>\n

You can save plenty
over a year by never buying branded products at full price.<\/p>\n

Take stock<\/p>\n

Do a quick cupboard stocktake. You might find you already have three jars of one thing. <\/p>\n

\"Mid-AdultMid-Adult Couple Calculating Their Finances On The Laptop In The Kitchen \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"dieting\u201cSoft restrictions\u201d aren\u2019t infallible; we can always make the effort to get a ladder and get the biscuit tin down from the highest shelf (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Avoid packaged snacks<\/p>\n

Packing fruit, biscuits, and nuts etc into a Tupperware to take out is more cost effective than buying tiny packaged portions.<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Be wary of DIY treats<\/p>\n

\u201cFaking\u201d a takeaway at home can sound like a cheaper option, but if it\u2019s something you don\u2019t usually cook \u2013 that needs new ingredients \u2013 it could work out pricier.<\/p>\n

\"AWhatever you buy, buy British if you can. That will help boost fishermen\u2019s finances (Photo: Betty Laura Zapata\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A customer looks at packages of chilled chicken cuts in a part-empty refrigerated display unit at a Lidl supermarket store in Walthamstow, west London, on September 21, 2021. (Photo by Tolga Akmen \/ AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN\/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: TOLGA AKMEN
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

Do you need it now?<\/p>\n

Returning a few things to the shelves that you won\u2019t need in the near future can save you a healthy amount.<\/p>\n

Skip a shop<\/p>\n

Every time you make do with what\u2019s at home,
you save big.<\/p>\n

\"ShoppingSupermarkets will find ways of holding down the price of the basics, and try to make their money on the fancy lines (Photo: Roy James Shakespeare\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\nEasy ways to save on
the weekly shop\n<\/p>\n

Try a week or a month of shopping local,
and you might be surprised at the results,
in terms of cost and other benefits like supporting local businesses, and
avoiding car journeys and traffic.<\/p>\n

\"Supermarket,Defenders of the triple Lock point to the fact pensioners are often asset-rich and income-poor. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Go shopping when you\u2019re not in a huge rush so you can make relaxed and informed decisions. Don\u2019t expect to stick to your\u00a0plan or make great choices when you\u2019re in a hurry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been a cleaner for 30 years \u2013 these are the 10 products I swear by<\/p>\n

Rebecca Jones has tried most cleaning products in her
decades-long career. <\/p>\n

She shares the ones she can\u2019t
live without. <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best vacuum<\/p>\n

Henry is a classic.
It has fantastic filters, sucks up pet hair quickly, and is great at cleaning up fine dust.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best mop and bucket<\/p>\n

The Vileda H2PrO set is light, manoeuvrable and keeps clean and dirty water separate.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"PortraitA reader has asked whether or not she should sack her cleaner because she isn\u2019t doing a good job anymore (Photo: stock image of a man cleaning a window via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Best glass cleaner<\/p>\n

The HG Glass and
Mirror cleaner removes stains without leaving smudges or streaks. <\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best multipurpose cleaner<\/p>\n

Method\u2019s multi-surface cleaner is plant-based, cruelty-free, and works great on grease, sinks, sealed wood surfaces, hobs, bins and sealed laminated floors.<\/p>\n

\"DeepDeep cleaning glass door handles for Covid-19 disease prevention. alcohol,disinfectant spray on Wipes of Banister in home for safety,infection of Covid-19 virus,contamination, germs \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best toilet brush <\/p>\n

Unlike a regular toilet brush, nothing gets stuck in the bristles of Ibergrif M34152 Silicone brush. It also dries quickly, so
there\u2019s less odour.<\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best mould remover<\/p>\n

Jones uses the HG Mould Spray on walls, tiles, grout, windows and outdoor furniture.<\/p>\n

\"A(Photo: boonchai wedmakawand\/Getty\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best cloths<\/p>\n

The Seep Eco Bamboo clothes have a streak-free finish and last.<\/p>\n

Best carpet cleaner<\/p>\n

Every home should have a bottle\u00a0of Dr Beckmann\u2019s stain remover, says Jones.<\/p>\n

\"DrCaption: Dr Beckmann Power Brush Stain Remover
Image from https:\/\/www.dr-beckmann.co.uk\/products\/pre-wash-stain-devils\/<\/p>\n

\nThe 10 best cleaning products\n<\/p>\n

Best stain remover<\/p>\n

The Mr Siga Multi-Functional Eraser Sponge acts like fine sandpaper to\u00a0lift
dirt, stains, and scuffs\u00a0using only water.<\/p>\n

\"hand(Photo: Viktoriya Skorikova\/Getty Images\/Moment RF)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Best kept secret<\/p>\n

Jones uses Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser to polish stainless-steel, scour sinks and clean her fridge and cookware. <\/p>\n

Around 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 are classed as NEET ie. not in Education, Employment or Training<\/p>\n

But as youth unemployment rises, not all companies
are looking to universities to find their new recruits. Meet the people who have benefitted. <\/p>\n

\"UniversityPoorer graduates will be hit hardest by the changes, the National Union of Students says (Photo: Andrew Fox\/Getty\/Image Bank)<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

For young people unable to attend uni<\/p>\n

My whole life was being a carer, so I was very lost\u2026<\/p>\n

From the age of around 10, Bruce Devlin took responsibility for everything at home \u2013 from administering his mother\u2019s medication, to doing the shopping, cooking, cleaning and supporting his mother\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n

He scraped through school, leaving with the lowest grades.<\/p>\n

Now, aged 26, he has secured a job by pursuing an unconventional route. <\/p>\n

The charities helping them<\/p>\n

Bruce followed an unconventional route.<\/p>\n

Getting a foot\u00a0in the door seemed impossible with his qualifications, lack of experience and connections.<\/p>\n

His Job Centre work coach put him in touch with Generation, a non-profit which partners with companies to identify roles which they are struggling to fill.<\/p>\n

He landed a place on Generation\u2019s first IT support boot camp and benefited from CV and interview coaching.<\/p>\n

Bruce is now a level three senior quality engineer with 2i Testing, a company which tests other companies\u2019 software.<\/p>\n

The result<\/p>\n

Getting a full-time salary and being a contributing member of society is an amazing achievement. Without this, I\u2019d be just another person on jobseeker\u2019s allowance, wasting any potential I had.<\/p>\n

BRUCE DEVLIN, 26, GLASGOW<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe apprenticeship route\n<\/p>\n

Jessica Andrea Carvalho had an offer to start a media and marketing degree but she rejected it at the last minute to avoid huge debt and years of classroom learning.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Avoiding increasing
NEET numbers <\/p>\n

\"YoungYoung woman at her first job interview with the owner of a coffee shop \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

Generation placed 700 people
like Bruce in jobs last year.<\/p>\n

The number of placements has jumped 20 per cent from last year.<\/p>\n

42 per cent of their learners come from the UK\u2019s most deprived areas.<\/p>\n

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Big Read<\/p>\n

10 min read<\/p>\n

\"YoungPlan 5 applies to students who began university courses on or after August 2023
(Photo: Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez\/Getty Images\/
Source: Moment RF)<\/p>\n

What do employers think?<\/p>\n

Creating more routes in is not just about opportunity \u2013 it helps bring in talent with different experiences.<\/p>\n

Paula Cunnington, the chief talent officer for Publicis Groupe UK, a network of marketing agencies that has hired 79 apprentices, says curiosity and real-world experience are far better indicators of future success.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"\/<\/p>\n

The plans have drawn comparisons with Sweden<\/a>, which combines a state pension with investment-based retirement saving, and have prompted debate over whether the UK could learn from a similar approach.<\/p>\n

Here, The i Paper explains how Germany\u2019s pension system works, what is changing, and how it compares with the UK.<\/p>\n

How Germany\u2019s pension system works<\/p>\n

Unlike the UK, Germany has long relied predominantly on its state pension to provide people\u2019s retirement income.<\/p>\n

Its statutory pension operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning contributions from employees and employers are used to pay people who have already retired rather than being invested for the contributor\u2019s own retirement. This is similar to the UK\u2019s state pension<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The age you collect your pension is currently 66 years and two months for those born in 1959 \u2013 though you can retire from 63 \u2013 with your pension reducing by 3.6 per cent for every year early you retire.<\/p>\n

The amount someone receives depends on how much they earned and contributed throughout their career.<\/p>\n

Private and workplace pensions exist, but they have traditionally played a much smaller role than they do in the UK, where automatic enrolment<\/a> has made investment-based workplace pensions a key part of retirement planning.<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s approach has become harder to sustain as its population has aged. Fewer children are being born while life expectancy continues to rise, leaving fewer workers paying into the system and more pensioners drawing an income.<\/p>\n

Stephen Barber, professor of global affairs at the University of East London, said Germany was facing \u201ca problem common to economies across Europe and the industrialised world, that of an ageing population<\/a> and with it increasing life expectancy\u201d.<\/p>\n

He said the proposals stood out because politicians were finally confronting an issue many governments have been reluctant to address.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe plans are significant to the extent that they represent government facing up to a challenge where policy change is likely to be politically unpopular but where not taking action is only storing up problems, maybe even systemic collapse, in the future,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

What will change?<\/p>\n

At the heart of the reforms is a shift towards investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rather than relying almost entirely on younger workers to fund today\u2019s retirees, Germany wants employees and employers to make compulsory contributions into a centrally managed investment fund that would help pay for future pensions.<\/p>\n

Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, said Germany was adopting \u201ca Swedish-style investment fund\u201d alongside its existing pay-as-you-go model, allowing workers and employers to build retirement savings while keeping the state pension.<\/p>\n

Working for longer is another major part of the package. Current rules allow some people who have contributed for 45 years to claim a pension from age 63. Those provisions would disappear under the recommendations, while future increases in the pension age would be linked to life expectancy.<\/p>\n

The plans would see Germany raise its standard retirement age to about 70 by the early 2090s.<\/p>\n

According to Vahey, restricting early access to pensions is another way of helping people maintain an adequate income in later life, with Germany choosing to make it \u201charder for people to retire early\u201d.<\/p>\n

Barber also stressed the reforms would not ban early retirement altogether, as people who had their own private savings would be able to do that. <\/p>\n

How Germany compares with the UK<\/p>\n

The UK takes a different approach to its state pension, with a flat-rate payment based on national insurance contributions or credits instead of payments depending on career earnings.<\/p>\n

Alongside that, most employees are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, where contributions from workers and employers are invested throughout their careers.<\/p>\n

Currently, the full new state pension, for those who hit state pension age after 2016 \u2013 is worth \u00a3241.30 per week \u2013 \u00a312,547.6 per year.<\/p>\n

And those on the basic rate \u2013 those who hit their state pension age in 2016 or earlier \u2013 get \u00a3184.90 per week \u2013 \u00a39,614.8 per year. You can get more in certain circumstances.<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s reforms would not replace its earnings-related state pension. Instead, they would add an investment element [to the funding of the pension], creating a system that shares features with both the UK\u2019s workplace pensions and Sweden\u2019s national model.<\/p>\n

Carl Emmerson, partner at London Economics, said the changes would actually move Germany closer to the UK.<\/p>\n

He pointed out that both countries already have similar normal retirement ages and expect those ages to rise further. As an example, the UK\u2019s state pension age<\/a> is rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028.<\/p>\n

Germany, however, wants future increases to be linked directly to life expectancy rather than relying on periodic government reviews, as is the case in the UK.<\/p>\n

Emmerson suggested the UK could learn from that approach.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cPerhaps one lesson for the UK is that the current review should not just be thinking about whether or not the legislated increase from 67 to 68 should be brought forward, but also whether we should be legislating now for any subsequent rises.\u201d<\/p>\n

One notable difference that would remain is the fact that Germany currently allows some long-serving workers to receive their pension early, while \u201cthe UK has no provision for individuals to receive a state pension early\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n

Sweden the reference point for Germany<\/p>\n

Sweden\u2019s pension system has become the main reference point for Germany\u2019s reforms because it combines an earnings-related state pension with compulsory retirement savings invested over a worker\u2019s lifetime.<\/p>\n

That approach means future pensions are supported by investment returns as well as contributions from the current workforce.<\/p>\n

Other countries have adopted similar principles. The Netherlands relies heavily on collectively invested workplace pensions, while Denmark combines a state pension with substantial funded occupational schemes.<\/p>\n

Australia also requires employers to contribute into investment funds through its compulsory superannuation system.<\/p>\n

Should the UK copy Germany?<\/p>\n

The UK already shares some of the features Germany is trying to introduce.<\/p>\n

It also does have plans to raise the state pension age. An increase in the state pension age to 68 is currently pencilled in for 2044-46, although a review will consider whether to change those dates.<\/p>\n

But Vahey said the UK should not simply copy another country\u2019s approach. The UK faces many of the same demographic pressures, with fewer younger workers supporting a growing retired population, but it starts from a different place because workplace pension saving is already well-established.<\/p>\n

She said ministers could not \u201cdodge this difficult topic for ever\u201d as the state pension becomes an increasing pressure on the public finances.<\/p>\n

Even so, her conclusion was clear: \u201cNo country should simply copy another\u2019s pension system.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe UK\u2019s pensions landscape is different, with a well-established workplace and private pension system that has helped millions of people start saving through automatic enrolment.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny future changes should build on what\u2019s already working in the UK, rather than trying to replicate another country\u2019s approach.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Working until 70 and losing the right to collect your pension early are among the changes Germany is…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":665265,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[84,4176,145,1447,4178,4174,4175,4204,2221,14971,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-665264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-personal-finance","tag-business","tag-finance","tag-germany","tag-pensioners","tag-pensions","tag-personal-finance","tag-personalfinance","tag-retirement","tag-state-pension","tag-state-pension-age","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=665264"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665264\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/665265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=665264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=665264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=665264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}