UK News: Pension switch leaves bleak financial future

A GENERATION of Britons are facing a cash-strapped retirement as they refuse to save more in response to the changing pensions landscape, an HSBC report shows.

Though people know they may live longer and get a lower company pension, only 39 per cent have a plan to secure the retirement income they want.

Debt plans 'may slow'

THE government's drastic deficit-reduction plans may have to be slowed if growth figures continue to disappoint, an influential economic think-tank warned.

Pier Carlo Padoan, chief economist of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said there was "scope for slowing the pace".

Clegg says NHS won't be 'flogged' to high bidder

NICK Clegg will promise today not to allow the NHS to be "flogged off to the highest bidder" as the political battle over government NHS reforms nears a key milestone.

Consultation on "significant" changes to the controversial Tory-led shake-up has just days to run, with revised plans due to be published within weeks.

Many Liberal Democrats are hostile to what they see as moves towards privatisation of the service, including a new duty for regulator Monitor to promote competition.

Paras in danger pay cut

SOME members of the Parachute Regiment and many other military personnel are to lose a 5-a-day danger payment as defence chiefs seek to reduce costs.

The army is to reduce the numbers of soldiers fully trained to parachute, meaning many will no longer qualify for the additional pay.

It could mean a pay cut of up to ten per cent for the lowest-paid private.

Jamie has taste for home

Jamie Oliver is to celebrate the glories of British food with his next TV series and book, after years of celebrating world cuisine.

After touring Europe and the US, he is to tackle traditional roasts and other homegrown grub for his next project, Jamie's Great Britain.

Wiltshire: The body of a British soldier killed by a bomb in Afghanistan was to be repatriated to the UK today.

Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna, from A Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, was being flown to RAF Lyneham.

Derbyshire: A woman was refused service at a McDonald's drive-through amid safety concerns over her vehicle - a horse and carriage.

Debbie Murden, 42, from nearby Pinxton, was turned away from a branch of the fast-food giant in Alfreton after staff said it was unsafe to serve her.

She was later served by a different fast food chain.