IT’S a service used by more than four million people nationally that radically changes lives, but youth work remains one of the UK’s most underrated careers.

The sector currently employs around 70,000 people in 8,500 organisations, helped by an army of 180,000 volunteers.

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Taking place in youth clubs and other community settings, youth workers provide support, guidance, life and employability skills for young people aged eight to 19, and young adults up to the age of 25 with additional needs.

Despite demand for youth work services rapidly rising — with two-thirds of organisations reporting more young people turning to them – most are struggling to attract new staff.

Budget cuts mean 4,500 jobs have been lost and 760 centres closed in the last ten years because of lack of local authority investment.

However, the new Government has pledged to rollout a “young futures programme”, which will need an influx of new workers to help young people.

This week is National Youth Work Week, which aims to raise awareness of the life-changing difference youth workers make to young people.

Jamie Masraff is CEO of national youth charity OnSide, which builds multimillion-pound “youth zones” in disadvantaged areas.

He explains: “With so many young people facing anxiety, loneliness and isolation, youth workers have never been more important.

“Youth Work Week celebrates the crucial role youth workers play and highlights how rewarding a career it can be.”

Harry Wills knows how important youth workers can be for young people because they gave him the support he needed as a teenager.

The 31-year-old from West London is now a manager at OnSide’s WEST Youth Zone, based in White City, London, which has more than 2,500 members.

Harry said: “When I was 13, I was getting in trouble at school and was placed in foster care. I felt overwhelmed and worried that my carers might stop looking after me.

“My local youth club was a safe, consistent space in my life and the youth workers were the trusted adults I needed.

“I tried a few different jobs until my social worker suggested a youth work apprenticeship.

“On my first day in the job everything clicked into place. I love helping to build young people’s confidence, helping them on their way to finding out who they want to be, there’s nothing more rewarding.”

There are three main ways to become a youth worker.

Most people begin by volunteering with a local organisation.

To become a youth support worker, you need a Level 2 or 3 certificate, or a Diploma in Youth Work Practice.

These qualifications are great for people already working in a youth setting.

To be a professional youth worker, you’ll need to study for a Level 6 qualification, including the newly launched Level 6 Youth Worker Apprenticeship.

As well as changing lives for the better, youth work can also provide a long-term career.

A recent study by the National Youth Agency, the national body for the profession in England, found that more than half of youth workers have worked in the sector for ten or more years, while 37 per cent are highly qualified professional youth workers.

NYA boss Leigh Middleton said: “There have been some huge challenges, but we are beginning to see a step-change in how youth work is perceived and valued.”

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easyJet proves a force for good

IT’S Remembrance Sunday this week, when we honour the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.

Around 20,000 people leave the forces each year, equipped with highly transferable skills.

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To support these service leavers, easyJet has now teamed up with ex-forces employment platform weServed to hire morte veterans.

Hugh Andree, of weServed, said: “We’re proud to help create a pathway for UK veterans to explore new job opportunities, from aircraft engineers to cabin crew.”

The campaign is backed by former SAS hero, turned novelist, Andy McNab, who said: “We know it can be a challenge for veterans to find the right career fit.

“But easyJet understands the value of their skill sets and can support them with new and rewarding career journeys.

Time for serious payback

A THIRD of people are seeking to switch to a career with more purpose, with helping others to improve their lives the most popular route.

Careers expert John Lees is working with the Probation Service to promote the role of Community Payback supervisors, who support offenders to improve their communities.

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Here are John’s tips to find a more purposeful career.

1. Find your passion: Understanding what gets you out of bed in the morning is crucial if you’re looking for a career with more purpose.

2. Take some time to list things you’re passionate about and you can find a career that fits almost any passion.

3. Identify transferable skills: Your previous experience can be of use in a totally different industry. For example, if you’ve worked in customer service it is likely that you have the skills to diffuse situations and communicate with empathy.

4. Be creative: Your next role might not be obvious, and you’ll need to think creatively about how you can pair your passion with your career. If you love the outdoors, why not consider a role in Community Payback, where you’ll be able to spend time in nature while you give back to your community.

5. Become your own biggest advocate: Be confident in selling yourself. Note three key skills you have and practise discussing these, then, look through the job description and pick out three requirements for the role that you have experience in. Being able to discuss these with confidence will give you a great chance in any interview.

6. Take your time: The biggest mistake people make when changing careers is making a rushed decision. Take time to consider your options and lean on people close to you who can act as a sounding board.

• Search Community Payback jobs online to find out more

A FILTHY property has sold for more than £50,000 more than its estimated price at an auction despite rubbish piling up to the windows

A house with waste filling up half the entire room has sold for an eye-watering £153,000 when it’s original price was £100,000.

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The three-bedroom property in Keighley, West Yorkshire, was put up for auction with rubbish strewn all over the place.

In some pictures of the place, bin bags full of waste were piled up – some so high they were reaching the windows.

The house immediately caught the attention of social media and users were quick to comment on the revolting state of it.

One wrote: “Is that one of the council owned skips their closing down?”

Ander added: “Councils should make tenants to pay rubbish they leave behind, they know who they are, don’t waste taxpayer’s money.”

A third user was shocked at the guide price, not knowing it was be increased another £50,000 saying: “£100k they are having a laugh.”

The terraced house on Scott lane is completely filled with old appliances and hundreds of deteriorating carrier bags filled to the brim with rubbish.

On Right Move the listing had stated the filthy property was a nice “renovation project.”

As a semi-detached dwelling that was completely trashed it would certainly need a lot of time to repair.

The listed stated: “Requiring a full scheme of renovation.

“Arranged over two storeys, the property offers three bedrooms and also benefits from gardens to the front and rear and a rear garage, as well as its sought-after location.

“Once renovated, the property would make a pleasant family home.”

Right Move made it clear that the rubbish would not be removed before the property is purchased and is “sold as seen.”

The house was bought by Bradford Council with a compulsory purchase order (CPO) and said the owner had made “very little contact” before it was bought.

It had been stood empty since at least 2014 despite numerous attempts to contact the owner.

The decision for a CPO is made by the Government office and tends to be used a last resort.

In this case it was necessary ass the house was empty for so long and was considered “wasted” in a time of much needed accommodation.

A council spokesperson said: ” “Empty properties are risk assessed by the council, taking many factors into account, and CPO action is only pursued where the council has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that unless it intervenes, the property will remain empty.

“If successful, the council sells properties acquired on the open market, in their current condition so as to avoid incurring any further costs and so as to use public funds responsibly, and this is understandably reflected in the sale price.”

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MCDONALD’S has unveiled its Christmas food range for 2024 with two new items launching including a spin on an iconic festive chocolate.

The home of the Big Mac is shaking up its menu in just under two weeks, with 12 new options on the way.

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From November 20, fast food fans will be able to get their hands on a new Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie for £1.99.

The pie combines crispy chocolate pastry with the classic Terry’s Chocolate Orange-flavoured ganache filling – a blend of chocolate and cream.

Customers keen on a savoury bite will be able to pick up the new Cheesy McCrispy from £7.79.

The spin on the classic McCrispy comes with a chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating, served with lettuce crispy onions, pink pickled onion
chutney, bacon, two slices of cheese and cheese sauce.

Ten other menu options are making a comeback, including fan-favourite burger the Big Tasty, last seen on menus in March.

Foodies can pick up the burger from £7.59 or get it with bacon from £8.39.

Both burgers combine beef patties with Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes and smoky flavoured sauce in a toasted bun.

The Cheese Melt Dippers with tomato sauce are also returning after they were temporarily dropped from menus at the start of 2024.

They come in a standard and sharing size, costing £2.49 and £6.79, combining breaded Camembert cheese with tomato dip.

The Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry and mini McFlurry are also back on menus for the first time since 2023, for £2.19 or £1.59.

Both come with soft swirl ice cream, topped with Terry’s Chocolate Orange mini segments and Terry’s Chocolate Orange sauce.

Chocolate fans will be keen to hear the Galaxy Caramel McFlurry – both regular and mini sizes will be on sale for £2.19 and £1.59, respectively.

The treats feature soft-serve ice cream, Galaxy Chocolate stars and Galaxy Caramel sauce.

Plus, you can get your hands on the Galaxy Caramel Latte and Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolates for £2.69.

Bear in mind, the prices listed for the above items may vary from restaurant to restaurant.

This is the full list of items being added to the menus on November 20:

• Big Tasty – £7.59
• Big Tasty with bacon – £8.39
• Cheesy McCrispy – £7.79
• Cheese Melt Dippers with Rich Tomato Dip – £2.49
• Sharing Cheese Melt Dippers with Rich Tomato Dip – £6.79
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry – £2.19
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange Mini McFlurry – £1.59
• Galaxy Caramel McFlurry – £2.19
• Galaxy Caramel Mini McFlurry – £1.59
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie – £1.99
• Galaxy Caramel Latte – £2.69
• Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate – £2.69

Not only is McDonald’s shaking up its menu offering from November 20 – it’s adding an iconic character to its Happy Meal too.

Eight Grinch and friend toys, plus Christmas decorations and family Grinch family card games, will be added to the meal deal.

Customers will be able to get the meal deal, which comes with a main, side and drink, for around £3.49 based on where you live.

All the new menu additions and Grinch happy meal toys will be on menus for six weeks so you’ll have to be quick.

The latest announcement from McDonald’s comes after the fast food chain brought back the McRib after 10 years.

Plus, it recently unveiled the Double Chilli Cheeseburger in restaurants. Customers can get the item for around £2.49.

How do I find my nearest McDonald’s?

If you’re planning on taking a trip to McDonald’s, you’ll want to know where your nearest branch is.

The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one – and check what time it opens.

Bear in mind that McDonald’s serves breakfast every day until 11am.

After that, the menu switches to the normal menu serving meals such as burgers, chicken nuggets and more.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A SUPERMARKET’S mulled wine has been named better than more expensive rivals – which cost double the price.

New results from consumer website Which? has revealed the nation’s favourite mulled wine.

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A panel of 63 expert mulled wine drinkers blind-tasted ten of the tipple from supermarkets including Lidl, Asda and Aldi – as well as more expensive brands like M&S and Waitrose.

All the drinks were rated on their taste, aroma, mouthfeel and appearance to give an overall score out of 100%.

Flavour made up 50% of the score while 25% was aroma, 15% mouthfeel and 10% appearance.

One mulled wine stood out from all of the others and was the clear favourite of the tasting panel.

Sainsbury’s mulled wine nabbed the top spot and costs just £3 for 750ml.

The supermarket’s mulled wine was awarded an impressive score of 73%, winning high marks for look, flavour and mouthfeel.

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Judges said the wine achieved that crucial balance between sweetness and bitterness.

Meanwhile, two thirds said the strength of the spice flavour was just right and nearly as many said the fruitiness hit the spot too.

More than half enjoyed the strength of the alcohol flavour, which is 5% ABV. Although 29% said they wanted a stronger hit.

The Co-op and Three Mills trailed behind Sainsbury’s, scoring 68%.

Both beverages cost £4.50 for 750ml.

The Co-op’s tipple lost marks on flavour when compared to Sainsbury’s but it was popular with judges who enjoyed its look and mouthfeel.

The alcohol flavour was enjoyed by 57% of the panel while a similar number enjoyed its bitterness and fruitiness.

Around half said the sweetness and spicy flavour were just right but a third said they would have enjoyed the drink more if it had a spicier kick.

The Three Mills mulled wine was on par with Co-op’s mulled wine for price and level of enjoyment.

Two thirds of the panel were fans of the sweet and bitter balance of the drink.

The panel praised its fruity flavour, which was enjoyed by 57% of the group, as was the alcohol taste.

But this wine is only 5% ABV and a third of judges said the boozy hit was somewhat lacking.

Extra spiciness would also have seen this wine awarded more points as less than half said it worked for them.

Aldi and Lidl usually score highly in these types of tests but both supermarkets failed to top the table this time.

Lidl’s Baywood mulled wine costs £2.79 for 750ml and scored 67% in the test.

Meanwhile, Aldi’s mulled wine was awarded the same score and has the same price.

At the bottom of the table was Tesco Vineyards mulled wine which was awarded a score of 62%.

Judges said the beverage’s good looks were the top feature of this otherwise disappointing drink.

Just 46% approved of the alcohol flavour and a further 41% found it too weak.

Only a third liked the spice levels and 46% said it was too bitter.

At £3 for 750ml it was beaten by much cheaper rivals.

The Morrisons Winter Warmer mulled wine also trailed behind other supermarkets.

It was awarded a score of 64% and three quarters of judges said that its colour was appealing.

But only 59% enjoyed its bitterness levels and a third said the alcohol flavour was right.

Half enjoyed its fruity sweetness but a similar number of judges said that they wanted a stronger spice flavour.

At £4 for 750ml it was one of the more expensive beverages in the test, despite having an ABV of 5%.

M&S Red mulled wine was the priciest bottle in the test but it was also the strongest at 11% ABV.

Judges awarded it a score of 64% but more than a third of them said the alcohol flavour was a bit much.

Around half said they were happy with the spiciness, fruitiness and bitterness of the drink.

Waitrose mulled wine was the second priciest in the test at £5.49 for 750ml but received a score of 65%.

Aside from the colour this wine struggled to win the approval of judges.

Around 46% said the alcohol flavour was too much, which was unsurprising given its 10% ABV.

Only a third were positive about the spice flavour while half found the wine lacked sweetness and was overly bitter.

Harry Rose, Editor of Which? Magazine said: “Mulled wine is a festive favourite and the perfect winter warmer.

“Sainsbury’s mulled wine emerged as the panel’s top pick. The strength of the spice flavour hit the right notes and it is a deserving Best Buy which is also affordable at just £3.”

In other taste test news, The Sun tried supermarket mulled wines to find out which offered the best value for money.

Plus we reveal the best supermarket for every part of your Christmas dinner.

And we try supermarket champagne to find out which is perfect for parties.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

SHOPPERS will face higher food prices after the Budget’s tax raid on employers, the boss of Sainsbury’s has said.

Simon Roberts, chief executive of the UK’s second biggest supermarket, said the National Insurance hike would cost it £140million.

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His comments come after Wetherspoons and Marks & Spencer yesterday warned of a combined £160million hit from the Chancellor’s decision to increase employer contributions.

Mr Roberts said: “It will lead to inflation and it’s pretty clear it’s going to come pretty fast.

“Given the low margins of the industry, there isn’t the capacity to absorb this level of un­expected cost inflation.”

The supermarket chief also expressed his disappointment that the Government had ignored his calls to relieve the extra staffing costs on retailers by finally overhauling business rates.

Retailers will face another increase in the property tax next year while they wait for further details of a promised reform.

He added: “We came out in support of Make Work Pay but on the basis there was a clear commitment on business rates reform, because it is not a fair tax on stores.”

Sainsbury’s pays £500million- a-year on business rates, half of its £1billion annual tax bill.

Yesterday, it posted a 4.7 per cent rise in underlying profits to £356million.

Food sales were up 5 per cent in six months but revenues in the Argos division fell by the same margin.

Nissan hits brakes

THOUSANDS of workers at Nissan’s Sunderland site are facing an uncertain future after the Japanese car giant launched a radical plan to cut 9,000 jobs globally.

Nissan slashed its profit forecasts by 70 per cent as it admitted that it had been too optimistic about the demand for battery-powered vehicles and had not produced enough hybrid models.

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The car maker said the “severe situation” has prompted it to now cut global production by one-fifth and squeeze £2billion worth of costs out of the business.

Last year, Nissan — which employs 6,000 on Wearside — said it would manufacture three electric models, including an EV Qashqai model in the UK, as part of a government-backed £2billion commitment.

On average, a new Nissan car has been produced at the Sunderland factory every two minutes, every hour of every day, since its opening in 1986.

A broad band of BT cuts

BT broadband bills are set to rise further as the telecom giant counts £100million of extra costs from the Budget.

Boss Allison Kirkby said it may have to offset the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions through higher pricing, reducing supplier costs or replacing some roles with artificial intelligence.

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“It’s a new inflationary pressure that we need to suffer in our business”, she said.

BT already increases bills every year by the rate of consumer inflation, with an additional 3.9 per cent on top — customers were charged an extra 7.9 per cent this year.

Ms Kirkby said that the £100million hit was just 0.5 per cent of BT’s gigantic cost base as it ploughs cash into rolling out fibre broadband.

It posted a 10 per cent fall in half-year profits to £967million and confirmed that 2,000 more jobs had been cut as part of its ongoing plan to reduce the workforce by 100,000.

Home price rise

HOUSE prices have hit a record high according to the UK’s biggest mortgage lender.

Figures from Halifax show the average price of a home in the UK hit £293,999 in October, beating the post-pandemic record of £293,507 in June 2022.

Property prices rose by 0.2 per cent last month — the fourth month of growth in a row.

But Halifax cautioned that mortgage rates staying higher for longer and a hike in stamp duty for first-time buyers could affect the rate of price increases in the future.

Wood chopper

ENGINEERING firm Wood Group lost almost two-thirds of its value yesterday after it launched an independent review of the business.

The FTSE 250 firm is now worth just £338million after its shares fell by 61 per cent to 48.43p.

In July, Dubai– based Sidara pulled out of a deal that valued Wood Group at £1.56billion.

It added that Deloitte would probe its “contracts, governance and controls”.

Investors fear it will have to make hefty writedowns of the value of contracts.

SHOPPERS are racing to Ocado to get their hands on a Christmas centre-piece scanning for £7.50 rather than £10.

The M&S Marks & Sparkle London Light Up Scented Candle has been hailed as the perfect winter goodie, especially with 15 per cent knocked off the price.

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With an iconic London scene printed on the glass jar and LEDs that light up when the wick is lit, it becomes the perfect centre-piece for any display.

The neroli, lime and bergamont infused candle has become a Christmas favourite with customers jumping to the M&S comment section to compliment it.

One user said: “This is not only a beautiful candle when lit but also when it’s not lit, it sparkles and has a beautiful fresh smell.”

Another added: “I bought it as a beautiful London themed momento, having received it it looks beautiful with a most attractive design in a perfect subtle colour and it smells gorgeous – can’t wait to display and light it up over the festive period.”

A third user responded: “Beautiful candle, really pretty when it’s lit up. Quite a delicate scent. Bought as a present and my friend loved it!”

You can get a hold of this candle directly from the M&S website or in store for £10.

But if you want to get £2.50 discount you can head over to Ocado where it’s 75 per cent of the original price.

Through the Ocado website you add the festive candle to your basked for £7.50.

If you don’t have an Ocado account you can sign up through the website and book a delivery slot that suits you.

First time customers can often receive a discount so make sure to check for voucher codes.

When using grocery delivery services like Ocado, there may be discounts and price drops at the checkout but keep in mind that there is often a charge for delivery.

The price will vary depending on the delivery option, which are one-hour delivery slots, next-day delivery, and same-day delivery.

M&S also has a delivery fee so remember to factor that in when checking out your Christmas treats.

The M&S Christmas room spray has also been getting a lot of love from shoppers.

For a sweet £6 this mandarin, clove and cinnamon room spray could elevate your festive experience.

Customers are saying it simply ‘screams Christmas.’

Another item that’s been flying off the shelves is The Magical Snowing Forest in M&S food halls, which has taken off on social media.

The chocolate box can come home with you for £15 and even has a charming snow-globe effect.

If this isn’t enough chocolate the Santa Chocolate Sleigh has been selling out fast as it’s only £5 a pop.

The tin sleigh holds individually wrapped milk chocolates inside a parcel bag that is a replica of Santa’s sleigh.

How to save money on Christmas shopping

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.

Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.

Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.

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Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.

Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.

Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.

Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.

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Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.

They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.