Furlough refused to 71% of UK working mothers while schools shut – survey
TUC say responses highlight rapid reversal in gender equality that could take decades to repair
Police in England and Wales face crime targets in return for 20,000 new officers
Home Office seeking cuts of up to 20% to a range of crimes but police fear a return to a target-driven approach
The new UK Covid variant: your questions answered
You asked us about the fast-spreading coronavirus variant, here are the answers
Covid: arrivals to UK will need to show a negative test before entry
New control will apply in England from next week, with devolved nations expected to follow suit
Most new and expectant mothers feel more anxious due to Covid, finds survey
Research by charity Tommy’s also found myths relating to pregnancy were still circulating
Plans for 30-minute Covid testing in England halted amid accuracy fears
Exclusive: government shelves Christmas rollout of lateral flow test centres
Flood alerts issued for England and Wales as heavy rain forecast
Disruption expected, with 24-hour yellow weather warning in place from 6am on Wednesday
European states ban travel from UK as new Covid strain takes hold
Variant causes leap in cases, while restriction of cross-Channel freight forecast to wreck supply chains
Frosty mornings but no white Christmas for UK, forecasters say
Met Office predicts a ‘seasonal feel’ to the weather after a rainy start to the week
England’s new Covid variant: should we be worried?
Dr Zania Stamataki sets out the key factors … and says there is no need to panic