Today will mark the first time that there will be a single results day for the whole of the UK with AS and A level, vocational qualifications, Welsh Baccalaureate, and Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers grades all at the same time. Although education is a devolved matter for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all four nations adopted a system of awarding grades this summer based on teacher based assessment. But what impact will those changes to being evaluated mean to the girls who now make up 56.6% of those going to university? And what about those opting for other further education options or apprenticeships? Andrea Catherwood speaks to Grainne Hallahan, senior analyst at the TES, formally known as the Times Educational Supplement; student, Imogen; and Sue Hannan, the Assistant Principle at Furness College in Barrow where they offer a wide range of A levels, apprenticeships and B Techs.
Many people across England and Wales have been struggling to register the births of their children, their marriages and deaths in their family, leading to disrupted travel plans, problems claiming benefits and a range of other issues. Staff shortages because of the pandemic have massively impacted waiting times for appointments. A computer failure on the 5th July is said to have also contributed to delays - although the Home Office says these technical issues "were rectified by 8th July and disruption was kept to a minimum." Andrea hears from Laura Mogford who has been trying to register her son, Arthur, who was born on the 1st of May, and Baroness Wheatcroft.
Dating apps have seen a growing trend towards individuals disclosing that they have a mental health disorder in their online profiles. When and how is the best time to tell someone you are dating that you live with a mental health condition? Andrea discusses this with behavioural psychologist and relationship coach Jo Hemmings, and Beth McColl who writes openly about mental health.
Forty three employment tribunals have mentioned menopause in the last five years and while ‘Menopause’ was mentioned eight times in tribunal rulings in 2017, it has featured much more in the first six months of 2021, that's the analysis of HM Courts & Tribunal service records by the Menopause Experts Group. Although these numbers are small, other research in 2019 found that nearly 1 million women are said to have left their job as a result of menopausal symptoms. And just last month the Women and Equalities Committee launched a new inquiry looking into legislation and workplace practices and whether enough is being done to address the menopause in the workplace. Andrea speaks to 'Sarah' who was dismissed from her job as a social worker, Dr Ella Russell GP who is known as the Yorkshire menopause doctor; and Adam Pavey, Employment lawyer & Director of Employment & HR at Pannone Corporate.
Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Louise Corley Editor: Beverley Purcell