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Care homes could face “catastrophic shortages” unless the government scraps its vaccination deadline for the sector’s workers, a union has warned.

Care workers in England must get their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by today and be double-jabbed by 11 November to keep their jobs.

Unison said the policy was partly to blame for the “severe staffing crisis”, with many care agencies now unable to provide emergency cover.

The union estimated that up to 70,000 care home workers in England may not be fully-vaccinated by the deadline, leaving many care homes in danger of closing.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Everyone that can have the vaccine should have the vaccine, but the government has persisted with a heavy-handed approach despite warnings from care employers of the dire consequences.

“This move is damaging a sector already on its knees and undermining trust in the vaccine.

“If roles can’t be filled, the level and volume of care offered will be reduced.

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“Instead of encouraging much-needed recruitment into care, the government is actively driving experienced staff away.”

GMB national officer Rachel Harrison added: “Forcing vaccination of our key workers is not the way to address vaccine hesitancy.

“Care is already facing a staffing black hole of 170,000 by the end of the year.

“Even in a best-case scenario we will lose tens of thousands of key workers if the jab is forced on them.

“How will care bosses deal with these huge staffing vacancies.

“How can they reassure people residents will receive safe care?”

Elderly people are at higher risk of serious complications or death from COVID-19, so those in England’s care homes are among the most vulnerable to the disease.

David Kelly of workplace management app Deputy, commented: “Many workers who have demonstrated their commitment to caring throughout the pandemic feel demoralised and undervalued.

“A number have explained they are not ‘anti vaxxers’ but have personal reasons for not wanting the vaccine, ranging from religious and cultural reasons, to health concerns.”

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Boy, 14, stabbed to death on bus in Woolwich, southeast London

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Boy, 14, stabbed to death on bus in Woolwich, southeast London

A 14-year-old boy has been stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich, in southeast London.

Police were called around 2.30pm to reports of a stabbing on a bus on Woolwich Church Road near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

A boy who police said had received stab wounds was treated by paramedics, but he died at the scene shortly after they arrived.

Officers have launched an investigation into the incident.

No arrests have been made so far but police are appealing for witnesses of the incident on the 472 bus.

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A cordon and road closures were in place as of shortly before 5pm.

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Liverpool hospital declares critical incident over ‘exceptionally high’ demand on A&E amid rising flu cases

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Liverpool hospital declares critical incident over 'exceptionally high' demand on A&E amid rising flu cases

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital has declared a critical incident due to “exceptionally high” demand on A&E and patients being admitted to wards.

The hospital said there had been a spike in people with flu and respiratory illnesses going to emergency departments in recent weeks.

The number of people in England’s hospital with flu quadrupled in the last month, according to NHS data.

A spokesperson for the hospital said it had a “comprehensive plan in place” and was “taking all the necessary actions to manage the challenging circumstances”.

“We are working with partner organisations to ensure those that are medically fit can leave hospital safely and at the earliest opportunity,” they added.

The hospital warned some people would experience delays as it prioritises the sickest patients.

People whose case isn’t an emergency are being asked to see their GP, pharmacy or walk-in centre – or call the 111 service for advice.

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The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is in the city centre and is the biggest hospital in Merseyside and Cheshire.

Declaring a critical incident can happen when a hospital is experiencing exceptional demand, or sometimes if there is a serious problem with staffing levels.

It indicates it can’t function as normal and allows it to take extra measures to protect patients, such as prioritising the most unwell people and getting support from other agencies.

It could last hours, a few days, or weeks if necessary.

A critical incident was also declared on Friday by the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board.

It said it had seen almost four times as many inpatients compared with last year and urged people with flu to avoid going to A&E.

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There have been warnings this winter of a so-called “quad-demic”– with flu, vomiting bug norovirus, COVID and RSV circulating at the same time.

The NHS provides vaccinations against three of the four; flu, COVID-19 and RSV (a common cause of chest infection in babies).

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Zendaya and Tom Holland engagement rumours swirl after Golden Globes

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Zendaya and Tom Holland engagement rumours swirl after Golden Globes

Zendaya and Tom Holland are rumoured to be engaged after the 28-year-old actress appeared at the Golden Globes wearing a massive diamond ring on her left ring finger.

They met after working together on 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming and confirmed their relationship in 2021.

Sky News has contacted representatives for Zendaya and Holland for comment.

Zendaya and Tom Holland pose for photographers at the photo call for the film ''Spider-Man: No Way Home''.
Pic:Invision/AP
Image:
Zendaya and Tom Holland pose for photographers at the photo call for the film ”Spider-Man: No Way Home”. Pic: Invision/AP

Zendaya chatted to journalists on the Globes red carpet, where she was nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy for her role in the romantic sports drama Challengers.

Despite being pipped to the prize by Demi Moore, who won for her role in body horror The Substance, there was plenty of buzz around Zendaya’s large diamond ring, which was clearly visible throughout the show.

A Los Angeles Times reporter appeared to ask Zendaya about it, holding up her own engagement ring and pointing to it. Zendaya responded by showing her left-hand ring.

Zendaya arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes.
Pic: Invision/AP
Image:
Zendaya arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes. Pic: Invision/AP

The reporter then asked if the actor was engaged and “she kept showing her ring, smiled coyly and shrugged her shoulders mysteriously”.

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Holland, who is also 28, wasn’t at Sunday’s Globes.

Zendaya arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes.
Pic:Invision/AP
Image:
Zendaya arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes. Pic: Invision/AP

Zendaya wore an orange Louis Vuitton ball gown, and diamond jewellery from Bulgari – for which she’s an ambassador – on the Globes red carpet.

But while the Dune star’s other jewellery items were listed in a press release, there was no mention of the ring on her left finger.

Zendaya, who rose to fame after her breakout role in Disney sitcom Shake It Up, became a household star after starring in Euphoria.

Tom Holland, who is the son of British actor/comedian Dominic Holland, won a role in Billy Elliot The Musical as a child, and has gone on to achieve global fame playing Spider-Man in six Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.

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