UK News: Lib Dems welcome delay to benefits cuts

SENIOR Liberal Democrats have welcomed reports that the Government is planning to delay imposing its controversial cap on housing benefit payments.

Ministers have reportedly decided to put back the introduction of the cap, which had been due to start next April, until 2012.

Public sector fear for jobs

ONE in four public sector workers fear they will lose their jobs as the Government's cuts in public spending take effect, according to a new study.

Two thirds of those questioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said stress in their workplace had increased as a result of the downturn.

'Manic Monday' hits web

ONLINE shoppers were set to spend a total of 537 million today in what is predicted to be the busiest internet shopping day of the year.

Total spending today - dubbed Manic Monday - is forecast to hit the equivalent of 22.4m an hour, according to comparison website Kelkoo.

The busiest day on the High Street is expected to be December 18.

X Factor 'damaging' stars

Music legend Sir Elton John said today he was concerned about the "psychological damage" done to the acts on the X Factor.

The singer said the show treated people like "products" and he was worried about the long-term prospects of stars such as Alexandra Burke.

5 billion British Airways merger set for approval

SHAREHOLDERS were expected to approve a 5 billion merger between British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia today.

Separate shareholder meetings were taking place in London and Madrid, with approval clearing the way for the creation of a new parent company for the two carriers - International Airlines Group.

However, both airlines will keep their individual identities, with the link-up expected to be completed in January.

Birmingham: Detectives continued to quiz two people today on suspicion of murdering a shopkeeper stabbed to death as his daughter watched on the store's CCTV system. The 48-year-old victim was attacked at Select Convenience Store in Kingstanding, during a suspected robbery on Saturday.

London: A murder inquiry was under way today after a 33-year-old man was stabbed to death following a night out. A 31-year-old man also received stab wounds to his back in the incident in a pub in Brentford, west London, on Saturday night. Two men were arrested.