Lloyds to sack 9,000 workers

Banks: State-backed Lloyds Banking Group is reportedly expected to announce thousands of job cuts as it publishes its latest financial results today.

Reports suggest the bank is preparing to axe up to 9,000 staff — about a 10th of the workforce — over the next three years as it closes more branch.

It is expected to rely more heavily on computers.

Jogger collides with PM in security scare

Prime Minister: An inquiry was demanded into a security breach yesterday which saw a man collide with David Cameron and his protection team.

The man jogged across the street before bumping into Mr Cameron outside Leeds Civic Hall, where the PM had been speaking at an event.

He was briefly arrested by police before they realised there was “nothing sinister” about the collision. They will, however, launch an investigation.

Elderly too much for prison system

Detention: Prisons are struggling to cope with the growing numbers of old, sick and disabled people behind bars, according to a prison charity.

A report from the Prisons Reform Trust launched at HMP Brixton today comes the day before prisons minister Andrew Selous is due to give evidence on older prisoners to the Commons justice committee.

People aged 60 and over and those aged 50-59 are the first and second-fastest growing age groups in the prison population.

Britain ‘lagging’ in tech research cash

Engineering: British companies lag far behind other European countries in investing in technological research and development a new report showed yesterday.

Germany accounted for 28 per cent of total R&D spending in Europe, France 18 per cent and Switzerland 16 per cent, while Britain languished at 11 per cent, according to research by finance firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers.