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THOUSANDS of people across Ireland could be eligible to receive a new €450 payment that opened up for applications today.

The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme has been described as a “major reform” of Ireland’s social protection system.

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The cash, which replaces the Jobseeker’s Benefit scheme, is open to applications from people whose first day of unemployment is on or after today’s date.

This means that their last day of employment must have been on or after Friday, March 28.

The Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to work as a “safety net” for anyone with a long work and PRSI contribution history that is currently unemployed.

The minimum weekly payment rate sits at €125 but people with a strong work history can seek up to €450 if they lose their job.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said today he is “delighted” to introduce the new cash boost.

The Fianna Fail TD continued: “We absolutely understand that if you lose a job, the sudden loss of income can be incredibly difficult to adjust to.

“The New Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Scheme is designed to help people during this period of uncertainty whilst they are seeking new employment.

“This is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I am delighted to deliver on that commitment today.”

Pay-related benefit means that a person’s rate of payment will be linked to their previous earnings, subject to maximum and minimal rates.

The weekly rate of payment for people on the new scheme who have at least five years paid PRSI contributions will be set at 60 per cent of previous earnings, subject to a maximum of €450 for the first three months.

After that, the rate will reduce to 55 per cent of earnings, subject to a maximum of €375 for the following three months.

A further three months will be paid at the rate of 50 per cent, up to a maximum €300 payment.

For people who have between two and five years paid contributions, the rate will be set at 50 per cent of previous earnings subject to a maximum for €300 per week and 6 months’ duration.

A minimum weekly payment of €125 will apply.

Self-employed people will continue to be catered for under the current Jobseeker’s Benefit Scheme.

General secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy today said policies protecting household spending will be “vital” for impacted workers and economies as Ireland gears up for a trade war.

He added: “For too long workers have been left to suffer a collapse in income after losing their job.

“Only four EU27 members states – Ireland along with Greece, Malta and Poland – pay a flat-rate [€244] payment to recently unemployed workers. That’s about to change.

“Across the rest of the EU, it is standard practice for contributory welfare payment rates to be linked to a worker’s previous earnings, to allow workers continue to pay their bills and protect their normal living standards in the short-term while looking for a new job.”

PARENTS UP NEXT

And parents across Ireland are next in line for a new targeted pay-related benefit scheme, it has been revealed.

Calleary said earlier today: “We have also committed to exploring other schemes where this model will work and we are beginning some work on that”.

Parent’s benefit is currently paid when a person who has enough PRSI contributions is on parent’s leave from work.

The standard weekly rate currently sits at €289 per week and the payment can run for a maximum of nine weeks – as long as the person’s child is under two years old.

The leave can be taken all at once or in separate weeks.

The Government has committed to introducing a pay-related parent’s benefit in the Programme for Government and it is understood that the scheme is next in line.

EASTER’s always a busy time for UK supermarkets, whether you’re stocking up for a family roast or treating yourself to a few too many chocolate eggs.  

But with many stores running reduced hours over the Easter weekend, it’s worth checking ahead. So, when exactly will your favourite supermarket be open? 

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Aldi

Aldi is one of the cheapest supermarkets in the country, having won Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for three years in a row.

The budget-friendly chain will remain open on Good Friday, which takes place on April 18, 2025.

The website states that its opening hours are from 8am to 10pm.

The popular budget supermarket will then shutter its doors for Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025.

However, Aldi will then re-open on Easter Monday, so that their workers can spend time with their families.

This year, Aldi’s got a mix of their own-brand Easter eggs, along with a few big-name favourites too.

You can pick up a Maltesers Milk Chocolate Medium Egg (96.5g) for £1.35, or go for something bigger like the Celebrations Large Egg (189g) or the Galaxy Minstrels Large Egg (204g), which are both priced at £3.45 each.

On their own, those prices are cheaper than some at Asda, but if you’re planning to buy a few, Asda’s four for £11.96 deal might actually work out better value.

M&S

This is not just Easter food, this is M&S Easter food.

According to YouGov’s 2024 poll, Marks & Spencer is the nation’s second favourite supermarket after Aldi.

The luxury brand is beloved for its food halls and wide range of options, including its hot cross buns and chocolate treats.

Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, but open again on Easter Monday from 8am to 8pm. 

Opening times can vary by location though, so it’s best to check with your local store before heading out.

M&S isn’t really known for offering discounts on its Easter eggs, but it definitely delivers when it comes to indulgent chocolate treats. 

One standout is the Outrageously Chocolatey Custard Cream Biscuity Egg.

The huge square slab of chocolate is shaped like the classic biscuit with a layer of milk chocolate filled with biscuit pieces and a custard cream layer inside, priced at £12. 

There’s also the Marks and Spencer Collection Blond Egg with a salted caramel truffle-loaded base for £15, perfect if you’re after something a bit more luxurious.

Tesco

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Tesco has cornered the market when it comes to lunch, thanks to the runaway success of its £3.50 meal deals.

The supermarket’s opening hours over Easter give you a good chance to stock up on any last-minute food, snacks or drinks to see you through the long weekend. 

Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and while Easter Monday hours haven’t been confirmed yet, they’re expected to be reduced. 

Opening times can vary from store to store, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local branch.

Tesco’s got some cracking Easter deals on luxury eggs this year, but you’ll need a Clubcard to take advantage. 

For starters, the Tesco Finest 48% Côte d’Ivoire Dark Milk Easter Egg is down from £12 to £8 with a Clubcard. 

You can also grab a Kinder Surprise Giant Easter Egg (220g) for £12.50 instead of the usual £17.

If you’re a fan of Cadbury, there’s plenty on offer.

The large Mini Eggs egg, which comes with two bags of Mini Eggs, is just £2.45 with a Clubcard. 

Fancy a Crème Egg fix? A box of five is now £3, saving you 50p.

Smaller eggs like the Cadbury Mini Eggs 97g egg and the Dairy Milk Giant Buttons 96g egg are both down from £2 to £1.25. 

And if you’re going all out, extra-large eggs have been reduced from £6 to £4 for Clubcard holders. 

Sainsbury’s

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Most Sainsbury’s stores will be open as usual in the lead-up to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, so there’s no need to rush as you’ll have time to pick up any last-minute bits for family get-togethers. 

All stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and they’ll be open from 8am to 8pm on Easter Monday. 

As with Tesco, local stores may vary their opening times so ask in your local branch about their Easter hours.

Sainsbury’s has some sweet Easter deals for Nectar card holders this year, with discounts on a range of eggs. 

The Taste the Difference Belgian Milk Chocolate Tiramisu XL Easter Egg, for example, is down from £10 to £8. 

You can also grab XL eggs like the Cadbury Mini Eggs 232g and the Dairy Milk with Caramel Bar 245g for £4.50 instead of £6. 

That said, if you’re planning to buy more than one, it might be worth checking out Morrisons as their two for £7 offer could save you a bit more.

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Morrisons

Morrisons is the fourth biggest supermarket chain in the UK and is loved for its low prices.

The supermarket also serves 9 million customers every week and is even busier during holidays.

Thankfully, Easter shoppers will have plenty of chances to stock up on food and all those tasty springtime treats. 

Most stores will be open from 7am to 10pm on Good Friday, closed on Easter Sunday, and then back open from 7am to 8pm on Easter Monday. 

Ask for more details in your local branch.

Morrisons has a pretty great almost-BOGOF deal on selected extra-large Easter eggs, with big-name brands like Cadbury, Terry’s and Nestlé included. 

If you’ve got a loyalty card, you can grab one XL egg for £6 or pick up two for just £7.

As mentioned, if you’re buying more than one, it actually works out cheaper than Sainsbury’s, where XL eggs are £4.50 each.

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Asda

You’ll have plenty of time to get your Easter shopping sorted at Asda, whether it’s last-minute extras or a change of food plans. 

Larger stores will be open as usual in the run-up to Easter Sunday, so there’s no rush and loads of time to pick up those all-important family chocolate eggs. 

Stores will be closed on Easter Sunday, and open from 7am to 7pm on Easter Monday.

Shoppers are advised to use the store locator tool on Asda’s website to check their local shop’s opening hours.

Asda’s got a great mix-and-match deal this Easter.

You can pick any four eggs from a selection of popular brands for just £11.96, which works out to around £2.99 each. 

These are the larger eggs too, and they come with at least one full-size chocolate treat. 

Think Galaxy Minstrels (204g) with two bags of Minstrels, a big Malteser Teasers egg with two full-size Teaser bars, or Cadbury’s Caramel egg that comes with a full-size Caramel bar.

If you’re planning an Easter egg hunt, Asda’s also got you covered  as they’ve got eight-pack boxes of small eggs from brands like Kit Kat and Smarties for £2.97, down from £3.98.

Co-op

As a convenience store, Co-op will be open over the Easter weekend.

However, on bank holidays, some branches might open a bit later or close a bit earlier than usual. 

If you’re in England or Wales, any larger Co-op stores (over 280 square metres) will be closed on Easter Sunday, while in Scotland, the bigger stores will still be open. 

Opening times can vary quite a bit depending on where you are, so it’s a good idea to check with your local store or have a quick look online before heading out.

Co-op’s got some cracking Easter deals this year, with big savings on favourite brands like Cadbury, Nestlé and Mars. 

If you’re a Co-op member, it’s worth checking your account for any personalised Easter egg offers that might have popped up. 

One of the standout deals is their £3.25 offer on large chocolate eggs with options like KitKat Chunky, Smarties and Celebrations.

They’ve also got a range of medium eggs going for just £1.75 each. 

We even spotted Maltesers, Cadbury, and a rather tempting Terry’s Chocolate Orange Minis Exploding Candy egg in the mix.

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Waitrose

If you’re planning to treat yourself to something a bit fancier this Easter, you’ll be glad to hear that Waitrose will be open for most of the long weekend. 

Stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on both Good Friday and Easter Monday, with only Easter Sunday seeing them closed.

Shoppers are advised to check with their local store for specific Easter opening hours. 

Waitrose has some lovely Easter treats on offer this year, with up to a third off selected eggs for MyWaitrose members. 

The indulgent No.1 Milk Chocolate Flat Egg is now £12, down from £15. 

And if you fancy something a bit different, the decadent Ribbon Easter egg range is just £8 with a MyWaitrose card, down from £10. 

It comes in flavours like white chocolate and raspberry, or milk chocolate with toffee.

LAURA WOODS has given fans a rare glimpse into her new life as a mum.

Sports presenter Woods gave birth to a baby boy, Leo Ernie Collard, in January.

The 37-year-old has taken a step back from regularly posting on social media while she looks after Leo alongside her fiance Adam Collard, with the pair having been dating since October 2023.

But in a rare post, Woods took to Instagram to share a load of adorable photos of herself and Leo at home to celebrate Mother’s Day.

She captioned her post: “Little Man…I don’t know what I was doing before you.

“Happy Mother’s Day to all the mummies, especially mine!

“What a blessing.”

The post included adorable photos of Leo wearing a hat, and then one without, with another showing him sleeping next to Woods.

Videos were also included in the post, with one showing Leo laughing as he reacted to a hand brushing against his face while another showed Woods holding him as she serenaded him with a song.

Another photo showed Woods and Leo wrapped up for a walk along the beach.

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Reacting to the post, former talkSPORT colleague Gabby Agbonlahor reacted with a hands-raised emoji and red heart.

Ally McCoist said: “There’s the wee man there!”

Meanwhile, fellow sports presenter Becky Ives said: “What a sweet boy!! Mumming looks good on you!”

A fan said: “Absolutely adorable. And you look amazing.”

A second said: “Beautiful pictures. They are the best. Great words.”

A third added: “The cutest pictures for Mother’s Day. You should be very proud.”

Eagle-eyed fans might have spotted Leo was wearing an Arsenal top in one of the snaps.

Woods has already indicated she will be doing all she can to ensure Leo grows up as a Gooner.

However, in a clip shared to Collard’s Instagram as his beloved Newcastle dumped Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Leo was seen wearing a Newcastle babygrow with “Toon Army” emblazoned across it as he lay on a cushion on top of his mum’s legs.

Collard revealed to the world that he’ll raise Leo as a Newcastle fan before the first leg of the semi-final.

He did so by sharing an adorable snap of him lying down in a baby grow which had “mini magpie” written on it.

Woods, an avid Arsenal fan, was far from happy.

She reshared Collard’s story to her own and jokingly wrote “fuming” at the bottom of the photo.

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The first QD branch was opened in Norwich in 1985.

It has kept a simple red and white logo of QD, which stands for the store’s name. 

In April 2022, the chain decided to give fellow discounters Poundland and Home Bargains a run for their money by offering a frozen food section.

Despite this, a number of shoppers have still never heard of the brand. 

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BOWEL cancer claims the lives of 16,000 people in the UK each year.

But a worrying number of Brits can’t name any of the killer cancer’s symptoms, a charity has warned.

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One in three Brits can’t name symptoms of bowel cancer – which include stomach pain and bowel habit changes[/caption]

The disease – which has seen a concerning surge in people under the age of 50 – causes changes to toilet habits, as well as blood-tinged poo and unexplained weight loss.

A survey conducted ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this April found that up to one in tree adults in the UK couldn’t name a single symptom.

Just 12 per cent of the 2,145 people surveyed were able to name bleeding from the bottom as a sign of bowel cancer.

Anther 22 per cent mentioned diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits.

But only 24 per cent said stomach pain or cramping could be signs of the disease.

Even more alarmingly, 35 per cent of those surveyed admitted they didn’t know any of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

And less than half – 47 per cent – of respondents knew blood in poo could be a red flag.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer, though is treatable and curable if caught early.

But Bowel Cancer UK warned these findings suggest many people may miss the warning signs.

Genevieve Edwards, the charity’s chief executive, said: “These survey results are deeply concerning.

“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, yet far too many people remain unaware of its symptoms.

“Early diagnosis, when it’s most treatable, saves lives and Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to change that.”

Radio presenter Adele Roberts, 46, said: “I myself couldn’t name any symptoms of bowel cancer before I had it.”

“Also the year I was on I’m A Celebrity, I was quite sick with the symptoms and none of us noticed.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about raising awareness.”

She recently shared that she first experienced symptoms of the disease while on I’m a Celebrity in 2019 – two whole years before her diagnosis.

The DJ and TV presenter was fit and at the pinnacle of her career when she started struggling with a bloated tummy, tiredness and weight loss, and noticed blood in her stool.

“If you notice any changes, no matter how small, speak to your and it’s never too early to take action,” Adele said.

Can you name the 6 red flag symptoms of bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer begins in the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum.

It tends to cause:

1. Bleeding from your bottom
2. Blood in your poo
3. A change in your pooing habits – you might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
4. Losing weight but you’re not sure why
5. Feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
6. A pain or lump in your tummy

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them so it’s worth visiting your GP.

Earlier this year, the NHS announced it was lowering the bowel cancer screening age in England from 60 to 50 – in a huge win for Sun columnist Dame Deborah James’ No Time 2 Lose campaign.

The change instantly made four million people eligible for the life-saving check.

Brits eligible for the screening will receive postal test kits that look for blood in a sample of poo.

It was also recently announced that Brits at increased risk of bowel cancer will get life-saving checks under a scheme funded by Dame Deb’s Bowelbabe Fund.

The Cancer Research UK project will improve access to colonoscopies used to diagnose the condition quickly while it’s still treatable. 

It’s being rolled out in the Scottish Borders and, if successful, could be adopted by NHS trusts across the UK.