The reform could benefit some workers but there is still a ‘risk’, one expert has warned

The state pension age is the earliest a person in the UK can claim their state pension entitlement. From the start of April 2026, it will be increasing from 66 to 67 in a phased rollout continuing for the next two years.

Future state pension age rises are also still under review, leaving middle-aged workers uncertain about exactly when they will be able to retire with their state pension. While it has caused some concern, one expert believes some people could benefit from the current and future age rises but warned workers to educate themselves.

Dr Kathy Hartley, Interim Subject Head, Human Resource Management Group at the University of Salford, explained that state pension age increases could mean some people have more time to build up their retirement funds and make themselves more financially secure in retirement by working longer than their predecessors may have.

She said: “In one sense, some workers have been choosing to remain in employment beyond what was once the norm for some time now, particularly since the default retirement age of 65 was removed back in 2011.

“For some, this is clearly beneficial financially, even if it involves reduced hours or, in some cases, less strenuous forms of work, especially in the context of rising living costs. Others remain in roles they find intrinsically interesting, feel motivated and healthy, and see no reason to stop what they have been doing.”

Even in these cases where extra years in the workforce could benefit workers, Dr Hartley noted there’s a risk it may create for employers as an employee’s performance and health may start causing more disruptions as they age.

Another group that may benefit from spending more years in the workforce are those that have made mid-life career transitions, as the expert noted that people over the age of 60 only just beginning “new starts” are becoming more common than before.

She added: “Some older workers decide to take on new challenges, perhaps working part-time at what they have done for years while combining this with other forms of work that may have interested them for some time, effectively creating a new or ‘portfolio career’ later in life.”

Regardless of where people stand in their careers and when they expect to access their state pension, the expert warned: “One thing that many of us need, however, is greater ‘financial literacy’, or simply to pay closer attention to the state of our pension pot and what kind of future it is likely to provide.

“For more of us to have genuine choice over whether to stay in the workplace for longer, financial understanding and planning will be key, as will employer support in relation to flexible working and adjustments. Such support has risen in recent years, driven by various changes in employment law, and the need for this – along with open conversations about employees’ longer-term aspirations – is unlikely to lessen.”

Dr Hartley admitted that for young people just entering the workforce, it’s very difficult to even anticipate what the state pension age will be when they hit their 60s and she revealed this is already being reflected in the workforce.

She added: “Younger people (are) less inclined to rush into paid employment than previous generations. Pressure on entry-level jobs, combined with expectations of working into one’s later years (70 and beyond,) may help to explain some of this hesitancy.”

It was only fitting that Kane scored on a historic afternoon in Munich on Sunday.

There have been several standout performers for Bayern this season, but none more so than the number nine.

It was only two years ago that Kane was being challenged about his decision to move to Germany as Bayern ended a season trophyless for the first time in 12 years.

But fast forward to the present day and Kane has not only helped his side return to the summit of German football by winning back-to-back titles, but has also put himself in contention to win football’s most prestigious individual accolade – the Ballon d’Or – after netting 32 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances this term.

No player in Europe’s top five leagues has managed more goals than Kane’s 50 in all competitions.

Now in his third season at Bayern, Kane is also delivering in the Champions League.

This month he scored home and away against Real Madrid in the quarter‑finals to help Bayern reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2024, while equalling Frank Lampard as the highest‑scoring Englishman in the knockout stages of the competition with 15 goals.

“I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or,” said Kane in November.

“It’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies.”

If he can help Bayern to a seventh Champions League title and play a leading role for England at this summer’s World Cup, Kane would surely have a strong case to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

Primrose Holidays, a coach tour operator based in the region, is targeting the growing market of older travellers—and offering hassle-free, experience-led travel across the UK and Ireland.

‘Silver tourists’ generally refers to people aged 55 and over.

Shaun Read, owner of Primrose Holidays and a board member of the Coach Tourism Association, said: “Today’s older travellers are increasingly discerning.

“They’ve holidayed more than previous generations, they’re comfortable travelling and they want to continue exploring – but without the hassle of planning and booking every trip from scratch.

“At Primrose Holidays, we remove the pain points.

“We’ve chosen each destination for its rich mix of things to see and do, hand-picked every hotel for its high standard of rooms, meals and facilities, and selected the most interesting attractions based on visitor feedback.”

Famous Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland (Image: Georgy Krivosheev)

The company offers curated coach tours with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Many packages include a door-to-door transfer service from areas in south Northumberland, the east coast, Sunderland and Durham.

Mr Read said: “Primrose Holidays will collect customers from their homes and transfer them directly to and from the comfort of our executive coaches.

“It’s all part and parcel of our more personalised offer for older travellers, prioritising quality over quantity to deliver a more relaxed holiday.”

The company says it supports the growing appeal of ‘slower tourism’—spending longer in fewer places, and travelling outside peak season to less crowded destinations.

Mr Read also believes coach travel offers a positive social experience.

He said: “Coach holidays can be a really social way to holiday, whether for solo travellers, couples or groups, providing shared experiences in a safe, friendly and supportive setting.”

The programme includes trips covering railways, canals, historic houses, Scottish landscapes, and an ABBA-themed weekend in London.

Liverpool news as two players who could join Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson through the Anfield exit door are named

The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Liverpool following a deeply disappointing title defence. Despite spending £450million last summer, the Reds have gone backwards, raising questions over Arne Slot’s future.

Liverpool may have to rely on the Premier League’s bonus spot, fifth place, to secure Champions League football next season. Thanks in part to Chelsea’s slump in form, that looks like it will be salvaged, but it will be of little consolation.

It’s clear the squad needs a revamp ahead of next season, with at least two departures, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, already confirmed. Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

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Two more players tipped for exit

Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones could also be heading out of Anfield this summer. According to football journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, the pair are at the top of the list of players who could be potentially sold, which would free up funds for signings.

READ MORE: ‘I coached Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool wonderkid’s tournament achievement says it all’READ MORE: Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool owners to complete immediate U-turn after fan backlash

In keeping with the team in general, Mac Allister has been a shadow of his former self this season. And with the Reds reportedly in the hunt to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the Argentine could make way. A strong showing at the World Cup would drive up his value.

Jones, who surprisingly started at right-back against Everton with Jeremie Frimpong on the bench, could be looking for a fresh start, with Aston Villa among the clubs believed to be tracking him. As a homegrown player, his transfer fee would be recorded as pure profit on the balance sheet. A sale could be best for both parties.

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Klopp’s plans clear

If Slot departs, many Reds fans will be hoping for an emotional return for Jurgen Klopp. Since leaving Anfield, the German has taken on roles as head of global football with the Red Bull Group and as an advisor to the German Football League.

However, he has distanced himself from a return to club management, recently rubbishing reports linking him with Real Madrid. According to AS, the only job that would tempt him back into the dugout is with Germany.

The Spanish title reports that managing his country is his long-term ambition. Whether he gets to fulfil that ambition in the near future could hinge on how Germany fare at the World Cup under Julian Nagelsmann, who has a contract until after Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland.

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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday to blow the title race wide open and Mikel Arteta has delivered his verdict

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal still believe they can win the title even after losing the potential decider at Manchester City.

Gunners boss Arteta came out fighting after a heartbreaking defeat at the Etihad and actually claimed he has even more confidence after their battling display. City can go top on goal difference if they win their game in hand at Burnley on Wednesday night but Arteta says his players are ready for the straight shoot-out in the last five games.

Arteta said: “If they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. They were talking about it in the dressing room. It’s a new league now. They were a game in hand. We have three points of advantage and five games to play. So everything is still to play for.

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“So we know how much we’ve won it and we’re not going to stop and we’re going to go again, that’s for sure. Obviously, they were very disappointed not to get a result from the game in the manner that it happened.

“That’s the feeling, immediately you could tell that they were talking about, and they said okay, we lost an opportunity today, but we have the biggest one now in the next five games, so let’s do it.”

Kai Havertz drew Arsenal level but then missed a glorious chance in the 95th minute to snatch a point which would have really turned the race in their favour. Arsenal also hit the woodwork twice and skipper Martin Odegaard insisted they can still win the title.

Odegaard said: “Disappointed not to win. Obviously we wanted to get a result and we were really up for it today. We played a good game, we pressed really well.

”Especially in the second half we looked dangerous, big moments in front of goal. Small margins to decide a game like this and we weren’t sharp enough in front of goal and that’s why we go home with nothing.

“That’s football at this level. It was always going to be like that. Very intense, very tough. Small margins. Frustrating but a lot of good things in the game from us. Now it’s about looking forward to the next game to bounce back.”

Our columnist argues that all the parties’ approaches have strengths and weaknesses

In this Senedd election the smaller parties are offering three very different answers to one of the most important questions for the future of the nation – what should the Welsh economy actually look like over the next decade?

That matters because while Labour, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have dominated the main economic debate over the past five years, Reform is pitching a low-tax, anti-bureaucratic populism, the Liberal Democrats are offering a pro-enterprise, moderate agenda, and the Green Party is arguing for a very different development model built around community wealth, green investment and public intervention.

Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and each tells us something about the wider frustrations now shaping Welsh politics.

Reform has the bluntest economic message of the three, arguing that Wales suffers from weak private-sector growth, out-migration of skilled workers, and overreliance on public spending.

Its answer is simple, namely cut taxes, shrink bureaucracy, scrap what it sees as anti-growth regulation and push ahead with more visible infrastructure.

Specifically, it promises a 1p cut across all bands of Welsh income tax by the end of the Senedd term, referendums on council tax rises above 4.99%, a 10% reduction in Welsh Government civil service headcount, a root-and-branch review of business rates, and support for large road schemes. It also says scrapping net zero policies would help “kickstart” the Welsh economy.

There is no doubt Reform believes a section of the electorate is tired of the lack of action and receptive to a message that says government is too large, too slow, and too expensive.

In that sense, its economic offer is emotionally well-targeted, although clarity is not the same as credibility.

Indeed, it could be argued that Reform is at its strongest when diagnosing frustration and at its weakest when explaining how Wales can become more productive, more innovative and more competitive.

Tax cuts and fewer quangos may be politically attractive, but they are not, in themselves, an economic game-changer.

Indeed, their manifesto says the income tax cut will be funded by lower spending elsewhere, without reducing frontline services, but has yet to show that the sums are robust enough for a devolved government already operating under extreme fiscal pressure in a world about to face a massive economic slowdown.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats offer a more conventional and, in some respects, more credible economic programme.

Their manifesto is not centred on an economic slogan, but once you get past the “Protect the NHS, Stop Independence” branding, it contains a recognisably pro-business agenda.

It backs access to capital for scaling firms, a Welsh industrial strategy focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, stronger procurement rules for SMEs, and support for apprenticeships.

It also wants a larger role for universities in research and innovation and calls for Wales to secure a bigger share of UK R&D funding.

For local economies, it proposes permanent business rate relief for retail, leisure and hospitality, a freeze on the multiplier for struggling firms, a £400m town centres fund, faster change-of-use approvals, and a stronger community right to buy. On energy, it pushes for warmer homes, tidal power, floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, rooftop solar and Welsh zonal electricity pricing.

This is, in many ways, the most recognisably centrist economic offer of the three, acknowledging the importance of business formation, scale-up finance, skills, infrastructure and innovation without lapsing into anti-market rhetoric.

It also recognises that Welsh universities matter to economic development, which is more than can be said for some other manifestos.

Its weakness is that it never quite becomes a full economic story, and while there are plenty of sensible policies, they feel more like a collection of well-judged interventions than a transformative vision for the Welsh economy.

The Liberal Democrats are right about the need for stronger businesses, more innovation and fairer energy pricing, but the manifesto stops short of explaining how Wales changes gear economically rather than simply improving performance at the margin.

Despite having no members in the Senedd, the Green Party offers the clearest economic philosophy of the three, albeit one that many will disagree with.

Their manifesto is not traditionally pro-business, and instead it argues that Wales needs to move away from what it sees as an extractive model of economic development and towards one rooted in community wealth, social value and the green transition.

It backs co-operatives, social enterprises, and locally rooted business models, while proposing a green transformation fund for Wales, citizen-backed transformation bonds and a green jobs workforce plan.

It also calls for procurement to do more for local firms and social enterprises, stronger borrowing powers, business tax reform, and a community wealth building bill to keep more money circulating in Welsh communities.

Alongside that is a wider programme of home retrofit, social housing, cheaper public transport, and investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

In other words, the Green Party is offering a very different vision by asking the economic question that Welsh politics often avoids, namely, not just how to grow the economy, but who owns it, who benefits from it, and how much of the wealth generated in Wales actually stays here.

But here the weakness is realism, and while it could be argued that the manifesto has direction and values, it is much thinner on the fiscal and institutional constraints facing a devolved government.

Promises such as large-scale housing and cheaper transport sound attractive, but the delivery challenge is enormous, and the Greens seem better at describing the kind of economy they want than at explaining how Wales competes in a tough market environment.

Therefore, despite massive ideological differences in their content, these three manifestos indicate that they are responding to the same reality, namely that too many people in Wales feel the economy is not working for them.

And if they are to gain seats on May 7, it will not be just about which party understands that frustration best, but who can actually do something about it.

The flight has been grounded and turned around on the tarmac before takeoff with passengers evacuated after being unable to access the overhead bins due to a ‘bomb scare’

A United Airlines flight was stuck on the tarmac for hours due to a bomb threat, according to reports.

Passengers are being evacuated from the plane after it turned around before reaching the runway.

The flight 2408 was due to depart from Denver and head to Washington, reaching the runway at 6.15pm local time.

FlightRadar24 shows the path of the aircraft not leave the airport as anticipated.

An update from the service posted on X says: “This is the second threat against a United flight in as many days.”

According to Mirror US passengers say they were mysteriously grounded for hours, being unable to reach for the overhead bins.

There are reports that a suspected bomb threat caused the delay.

Pictures posted on social media showed emergency vehicles driving down the runway.

The incident comes just after another United Airlines flight, UAL2092 from Chicago to New York was diverted to Pittsburgh due to a “bomb scare.”

“United Airlines flight UA2092 was diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport after a bomb threat was reported onboard shortly after departing Chicago O’Hare,” according to the Citizens App.

“The flight, which was headed to New York City, was redirected as a precaution. Authorities are handling the situation.”

A total of 159 passengers and 6 crew members were evacuated via slides from the Boeing 737 aircraft after landing in Pittsburgh, a United Airlines spokesman told The Mirror US.

An update on FlightRadar suggests that the Denver flight is expected to now depart after 10.30pm.

The Mirror US have contacted United Airlines.

Rose black spot is the most common problem with roses in the UK and can completely defoliate a bush, but one simple practice can keep it at bay.

Rose black spot is the most prevalent issue affecting roses across the UK. It damages foliage and weakens the shrub’s overall vitality. Black spots on rose leaves are typically surrounded by yellowing patches and are caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, the most widespread and destructive fungal disease affecting members of the rose family.

Black spot spores lie dormant in the soil throughout winter, before emerging and launching their attack from spring onwards. Gardening specialists at Ashridge Trees cautioned that “a bad case of rose black spot can defoliate a bush completely, ruining its appearance and eventually killing it”.

Your rose won’t perish in the first or second year, but without intervention, “it can die after three or four years” of persistent infection.

However, the experts highlighted that there is a solution to prevent your roses from ever becoming infected again, and that’s to “practise good garden hygiene”.

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Practising “good garden hygiene” involves several essential steps, and the first is to collect and burn or bin fallen leaves.

Next, cut out any affected stems before new foliage emerges, ideally before the end of April.

Improve the soil, as few measures benefit a garden more than boosting its organic content. The greater the moisture and nutrients the ground offers, the stronger and less stressed the plants growing within it will be.

Robust plants are far more likely to remain healthy. Incorporate homemade garden compost, bagged compost or well-rotted manure into your soil. These organic fertilisers offer far greater benefits than their inorganic counterparts.

For those planning to transplant rose bushes, it’s worth avoiding spots with restricted air circulation, and pruning them into an open, well-ventilated shape.

To prevent black spot entirely, there are several disease-resistant varieties that are well worth considering. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends the following:

• ‘Ballerina’, Pink Shrub
• ‘Buff Beauty’, Apricot-Yellow Shrub
• ‘Lucky’ Pink Floribunda
• ‘Silver Anniversary’ Hybrid Tea
• Flower Carpet Series

Manchester United are in the driving seat for Champions League qualification but uncertainty remains over who will become their permanent manager

Manchester United took a huge stride to reclaiming their place in the Champions League after their hard-fought 1-0 win at Chelsea. The Red Devils dented the Londoners’ European hopes and boosted their own thanks to a solitary Matheus Cunha goal.

The triumph in West London keeps Michael Carrick’s side in the driving seat as they sit third in the Premier League table with five matches remaining. The former Middlesbrough boss has steered the club back towards where they belong after eight wins in his opening 12 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis.

Only twice have United tasted disappointment but they were devastating against Chelsea with Bruno Fernandes moving one closer to the assists record.

READ MORE: Man Utd star gives insight into Bruno Fernandes’ next move – ‘That’s what he’s thinking’READ MORE: ‘I’m a Man City icon – I love one thing Michael Carrick is doing at Man Utd’

Mirror Football has taken a look at the latest news surrounding United.

Michael Carrick endorsed for Manchester United role

Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves have been in agreement regarding Carrick’s position as United boss.

The 44-year-old is currently on a deal until the end of the season having been placed in temporary charge following Amorim’s sacking.

The jury has been out regarding Carrick’s permanent appointment with the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane previously calling for more experienced figures to take over.

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But Carrick has turned around the fortunes at Old Trafford, both Cole and Hargreaves have argued that he should be in contention. Cole said: “Realistically, I think it’s secured. It’s absurd to think of not giving it to him.

“He’s come in, got more points than any other person in any other team. What more can you do? It would just be absurd, it wouldn’t be a gamble, it would just be absurd [not to give it to him], he’s proven it.”

Hargreaves, a former United midfielder, said: “He’s proven that he can do the job. Since he’s taken over, they’ve been the best team in the Premier League. They’ve beaten Man City and Arsenal, the two best teams in this division.

“He’s shown that he can set up a game plan on the counter; obviously, today they did something similar. Carra understands the players and that’s probably why he’s there. He understands the pressure of playing for this football club.

“He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they’re better in every capacity. So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn’t have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous.

“I think today solidifies it. If they hadn’t won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced. After today and if he finishes third, I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. It wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

United in Premier League battle for coveted defender

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. According to Portugese outlet A BOLA, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils are in a battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to England for over a year but it has been said that his performances against Arsenal in the Champions League have significantly boosted his profile.

Diomande is reportedly viewed as a modern centre-back and offers reliability having made over a century of appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Crystal Palace have also been named having explore a move, last summer, during the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi but a deal didn’t materialise.

The 22-year-old reportedly has an €80million (£69m) release clause but they would be open to negotiating a fee for around £43million but with competition, the price could be driven up.

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney told BBC Match of the Day Arsenal will win the title by two points, with the Gunners winning all their remaining matches and Man City drawing at Everton.

He said: “This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come. It is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.

“I have been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.

“From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that is who will win it.

“City’s fixtures look a little bit more difficult. The Arsenal fans have a big part to play, they need to get behind their team.

Ex-Tottenham and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Match of the Day, Man City will win the title on goal difference, with both teams winning their remaining fixtures.

He said: “I think it edges it [the title race] towards City. Momentum, confidence and all of those things. I was really pleased with the game, I expected it to be much more cagey. Lots of quality and great moments, edge of your seat stuff.

“They are such powerful teams that I think they will win all the games. Bournemouth away could be tough for Man City and West Ham is probably the one to watch for Arsenal. But I think it will be goal difference and Man City will edge it.”