This makes Northern Ireland the sole region in the UK where the gender pay gap has consistently shifted in the wrong direction.

As families throughout Northern Ireland gear up to celebrate Mother’s Day, fresh figures from PwC’s Women in Work Index 2026 reveal the reality of working life for women – particularly working mothers across the region.

Northern Ireland has dropped one position to third place in the UK in PwC’s regional rankings, following a 2.7-point fall in its overall Index score. The region is now experiencing a growing divide between the opportunities accessible to women locally and those available elsewhere in the UK.

Central to this challenge is participation. Northern Ireland records the lowest female labour force participation rate of any UK region, standing at just 71.3% – nearly three percentage points beneath the regional average.

The region also experienced the largest rise in its participation rate gap, the difference between male and female participation, climbing by 1.88 percentage points, whilst regions across the UK on average witnessed that gap reduce by 0.67%.

The gender pay gap in Northern Ireland has widened every year since 2020, rising from 7.5% to 7.9% this year, driven by a greater proportion of women in part-time positions and longer working hours for men. This makes Northern Ireland the sole region in the UK where the gender pay gap has consistently shifted in the wrong direction.

There is, nonetheless, one positive development: Northern Ireland maintains its leading position for the lowest female unemployment rate in the UK, at just 1.4% compared to the regional average of 3.4%. Whilst this is encouraging, it highlights a paradox – women within Northern Ireland remain in employment, yet far too many women are being excluded from the workforce entirely or restricted to lower-paid, part-time positions.

On a national level, the UK rose one spot to 17th in the worldwide Index, reclaiming its status as the highest-ranking G7 nation. However, underlying advancement has plateaued, hindered by increasing female unemployment and declining full-time employment rates amongst women.

Cara Haffey, Partner at PwC Northern Ireland, commented:. “This Mother’s Day is a moment to celebrate everything that working mums contribute to their families, their workplaces and the Northern Ireland economy. But it should also be a wake-up call. The data shows that women here face the steepest barriers to participation of anywhere in the UK, and the gender pay gap continues to move in the wrong direction.”

“If we want Northern Ireland to thrive, we need to make it easier for women to fully participate in the workforce. That means investing in affordable childcare, creating more flexible working opportunities, and ensuring that the pipeline of talent into well-paid roles is open to everyone.

“The fact that we have the lowest female unemployment rate in the UK shows that when women here can access work, they do – and they stay. The challenge now is to remove the barriers that are keeping too many on the sidelines.”

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President Donald Trump said the U.S. destroyed military sites on an island vital to Iran’s oil network and warned that its oil infrastructure could be next if Iran continues to interfere with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said U.S. forces on Friday “obliterated” targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is home to the primary terminal that handles the country’s oil exports. The speaker of the Iranian Parliament had warned that such strikes would provoke a new level of retaliation.

Meanwhile, an American official said 2,500 more Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being sent to the Middle East nearly two weeks into the war with the Islamic Republic.

The moves appear to signal the 2-week-old war is not nearing an end.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

Marines and assault ship will add to US forces

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are able to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and disaster relief. The deployment does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place.

The new Marine deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well as the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military. The Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing alone near Taiwan, putting it more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

Earlier in the week, the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, operating in the Arabian Sea. Should the Tripoli join this flotilla, it would be the second-largest ship behind the Lincoln in the region.

While the total number of U.S. service members on the ground in the Middle East is not clear, Al-Udeid Air Base alone, one of the largest in the region, typically houses some 8,000 U.S. troops in Qatar.

US strikes Persian Gulf island after Iranian warning

The U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf targeted military sites but left alone its oil infrastructure for now, Trump said in a social media post.

But he warned that if Iran or anyone else interferes with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he will reconsider his decision not to “wipe out the Oil Infrastructure.”

On Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned in a social media post that attacks on the islands on Iran’s southern maritime frontier would cause Iran to “abandon all restraint,” underscoring how central they are to the country’s economy and security.

Missile stirkes inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

Explosion rocks area of mass demonstration

Earlier Friday in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands of people gathered for an annual state-organized rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israel’s demise. There were no reports of casualties.

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally, chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet. Footage showed people chanting “God is greatest,” as smoke rose in the area.

The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran’s judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, was giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened. His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran “under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.”

US says 15,000 targets struck in Iran since the start of the war

Israel earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defense systems and weapons production sites.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck — more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the bottling of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: “We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.”

___

Rising reported from Bangkok. Toropin reported from Washington, and Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud, Kareem Chehayeb and Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; Will Weissert at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; and Tia Goldenberg in Washington contributed to this story.

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy compound.

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

Manchester City and Manchester United are both chasing an Academy double

Manchester City and Manchester United could meet in a blockbuster FA Youth Cup final after the two teams were kept apart in the semi-final draw.

United have yet to complete their last eight fixture with Sunderland, which takes place next week, while City booked their place in the semi-finals with a win over Everton on Friday night.

The Manchester rivals met in the Youth Cup final in 1986, with City prevailing 3-1 on aggregate, and 40 years on a repeat is now on the cards.

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The two teams are battling it out at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North with City currently two points clear with a game in hand, although second place United did win the derby last month.

Should United get past Sunderland, they will host Crystal Palace in the last four, while City will be at home to Blackburn. The semi-final ties must be played by Saturday April 11, while the final is on Saturday, May 9.

City’s win over Everton on Friday turned on a controversial penalty decision early in the second half with Ademide Akarakiri appearing to win the ball when challenging Xavier Parker. Floyd Samba made no mistake when tucking the spot kick away from 12 yards to give City the lead.

The decision irked the Everton players and their mood didn’t improve minutes later when Malik Olayiwola was shown a straight red card, seemingly for something he said to referee Richie Watkins after the official gave a throw in City’s way.

The home side made the most of their man advantage to pull clear as Reigan Heskey curled in a fine second before sub Teddy Lamb tapped in a third.

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Unit 30 at Navigation Point, Hartlepool, County Durham, has hit the market with a guide price of just £90,000.

This property was previously home to The Fuschia Lounge, bringing in an annual income of £15,000.

This business premise is presently housing The Fuschia Lounge. (Image: Bradley Hall)

The sale is being conducted via an online auction with specific terms and conditions.

The commercial unit boasts an impressive frontage at Navigation Point, overlooking the marina, and promising “strong street presence and visibility”.

‘The floorplate is open plan, allowing flexible subdivision or fit-out to suit incoming occupiers’, stated the estate agent.

The property overlooks Hartlepool Marina. (Image: Bradley Hall)

It comes along with ancillary facilities such as store rooms, service access, and toilets.

Parking and servicing are available on-site.

It shares the location with an ‘established marina mixed-use scheme’.

The surrounding area is known for its ‘strong trade synergy’ from adjacent hospitality and retail operators.

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Its strategic location offers ‘good transport links’.

According to the estate agent, the property brings ‘a strong opportunity for investors seeking exposure in a growing waterfront destination’.

Bidders willing to purchase the property or looking for more information can contact Bradley Hall on 01917437550.

Crimestoppers is urging people across the North West to report information about knife and gun crime anonymously, following a rise in reports to the charity over the past nine months.

The campaign emphasises the critical role of community intelligence in saving lives and disrupting criminal activity.

Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “We’ve seen a clear rise in the number of people contacting Crimestoppers across the North West, proof that local communities want to stop the violence that harms their neighbourhoods.

“Serious crime often thrives on silence, and we understand that some people fear the consequences of speaking up.

“Crimestoppers is here to remove that fear.

“You can tell us what you know about weapons, drug gangs or violent behaviour completely anonymously.

“We don’t ask for names or personal details, and your call or online form can’t be traced.”

The charity is calling on residents to share information about weapons, organised crime, intimidation, drug-related violence and exploitation.

Crimestoppers hopes that by raising awareness of its anonymous reporting service, more people will feel empowered to speak out without fear of retaliation.

The organisation stresses that every tip-off passed to authorities can help prevent serious harm and protect the wider community.

Mr Murray added: “Every piece of information we pass on helps to make our communities safer.

“Your voice can help stop violence before someone gets hurt.”

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

North Yorkshire Council has given the green light for the Persimmon homes to be built in Brayton near Selby.

The York-based housebuilder has now been granted final approval for their plans after councillors voted last year to approve outline plans for the site.

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 A mix of 1 to 4-bedroom properties will be built on land off Evergreen Way. 

 Space for two self-build plots will also be made available.

 In addition 14 homes will be transferred to a registered housing provider and will be delivered as a mix of shared ownership and social/affordable rent.

Persimmon say residents will enjoy an area of public open space as well as an on-site children’s play area at the centre of the development.  

The developer is set to provide over £500,000 in funding for local infrastructure including £300,000 funding towards improving the number 476 local bus service. Additional funds will be provided for cycle links and healthcare contributions.

Graham Whiteford, planning pirector at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to have been granted permission to deliver new housing in the Selby area.

 “We’ve worked closely with the community and local stakeholders to help shape the design of the development as our application has progressed.

 “This development will provide a range of house types and sizes for local homebuyers and we look forward to getting on site to bring these plans to fruition.”

 A landscaped area for amenity and play would act as a focal point for the development.

Previously councillors on the Selby and Ainsty area planning committee voted unanimously on March 12 in favour to approve an outline planning application from Persimmon Homes for land off Evergreen Way in Brayton.

At that stage objectors highlighted that the main road of Barff Lane which runs from the neighbouring village of Thorpe Willoughby and joins up with the A19 was already congested and existing developments already created parking bottlenecks at the entrance to Moat Way.

North Yorkshire Council has given the green light for the Persimmon homes to be built in Brayton near Selby (Image: Persimmon)

The charges have been dropped against five Georgia high school students whose prank against a teacher went wrong and left the educator dead.

Last Friday, the teenagers drove to the Gainesville home of their North Hall High School teacher, Jason Hughes, 40, with the intent to toss toilet paper over his trees. The prank was a longtime junior-senior tradition.

Hughes knew the students were coming and “was excited and waiting to catch them in the act,” according to the teacher’s family. He walked into the street to meet the students but slipped and fell in the road. Hughes’ family said he slipped because the ground was slick due to the prior day’s rain.

The five students involved in the prank drove away from the house in a pair of vehicles. A truck driven by one of the students ran over Hughes, who was still lying in the road after his fall. The teacher was taken for treatment at a nearby hospital but died from his injuries.

The student driving the truck, 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace, was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, which is a felony. He was also charged with criminal trespass, reckless driving, and littering, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

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The other four students involved — Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz — are also 18 and from Gainesville. They each received a charge of criminal trespass and littering on private property.

Wallace’s attorney, Graham McKinnon, said his client never saw Hughes — as the teacher was lying on the ground — and his truck only traveled a few feet before making contact with Hughes.

“In the end, there was no crime — only an extremely sad and devastating accident,” McKinnon told the The New York Times.

According to Hughes’ family, what played out between the students and the teacher was anything but malicious. They said that Hughes loved the students involved and that they were very fond of their teacher in return.

Hughes’ family worked to have the charges against the students dropped, claiming the teacher would never have wanted to see his pupils’ lives destroyed over an accident.

“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” the family said in a statement. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

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Hughes’ wife, Laura, was one of the most ardent defenders of the students before their charges were dropped Friday. Despite having just lost her husband under exceptionally tragic circumstances, she fought to defend the students’ innocence.

The charges were dismissed on the day before the teacher’s funeral.

“Jayden Wallace and his family first want to thank Laura Hughes for her remarkable compassion and spirit of forgiveness in the face of the tremendous loss of her husband, Jason Hughes,” McKinnon wrote after the charges were dropped. “Jayden is still grieving deeply but is determined to move forward eventually to live a life that would make Jason Hughes proud.”

In a statement to CBS News, the family asked for prayer as they continue to grieve and asked that the public extend grace to the students involved.

“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” the family said in the statement. “Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us,” the family said.

Once Russell got into clean air, he surged clear, and Hamilton, who had used up his tyres battling with Russell, was passed by team-mate Leclerc. 

A safety car on lap 13 following Nico Hulkenberg’s retirement allowed everyone to dive into the pits, and McLaren’s Lando Norris briefly passed Hamilton, with Mercedes having to double stack. But Hamilton got back past before the finish on lap 19 to take the final place on the podium.

Behind the leaders, it was no less frantic. Kimi Antonelli, starting second, barged into Isack Hadjar on the opening lap and had to serve a 10-second time penalty when he pitted under the safety car. He eventually fought back to finish fifth, just ahead of the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri.

Further back, Barry Fitzgerald scored a win for Ireland at the Oscars in the best supporting actor category in 1945, for his performance in the musical comedy Going My Way, while Brenda Fricker did likewise in the best supporting actress category in 1990, for her part in the biographical drama My Left Foot.

The town was chosen by the Sunday Times for being a “thriving location with a strong sense of community”.

A surprising town with a famous neighbour is one of the top places to live in the UK. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide chose it as one of the top spots, beating more predictable choices.

The guide described the town of Penryn near Cornwall as being a “little rougher round the edges than neighbouring Falmouth”, but the judges were looking for “thriving locations with a strong sense of community” rather than well-known areas with steep property prices.

Penryn’s “energy, creativity and community” were highlighted as key factors for its inclusion. The Sunday Times also says it’s a hub for “endless adventures”, boasting “all kinds of community groups”, reports Cornwall Live.

In their description of Penryn, The Sunday Times judges noted: “Penryn is a little rougher round the edges than neighbouring Falmouth, but what it lacks in arty-crafty knick-knack stores and beachside saunas, it more than makes up for in energy, creativity and community.”

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They continued: “Every old workshop, boathouse or ope – as the back alleys are known here – seems to be home to a local craftsperson or entrepreneur up to something forward-looking and fascinating, whether it’s a pottery studio, an art gallery, a yoga studio, or the Cornish Poetry Library.

“There is the potential for endless adventures in the surrounding waters and countryside, and all kinds of community groups are doing good works or organising sports and activities.”

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Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, remarked: “It is easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, but there really is so much to celebrate as we look closer to home. From small gestures that lift the everyday – like verges blooming with daffodils and volunteer-run dementia cafés, to larger initiatives from repair cafés to new railway stations.

“What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there. That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.

“The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.

“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion – as long as they provide value for money. Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”

Past recipients of the Best Places to Live in Britain accolade include North Berwick, East Lothian (2024), Stamford, Lincolnshire (2013); Skipton, North Yorkshire (2014); Newnham, Cambridge (2015); Winchester, Hampshire (2016); Bristol (2017), York (2018), Salisbury, Wiltshire (2019), Altrincham, Cheshire (2020) Stroud, Gloucestershire (2021), Ilkley, West Yorkshire (2022) Wadhurst, and East Sussex (2023)