Caller ID is Destroying Our Understanding of the Jobs Market
The UK's Office for National Statistics used to knock on doors and ask people if they were employed, as a traditional way of compiling the country's labor market data.
But when Covid-19 forced social distancing in 2020, door-knocking was out. At one point during the pandemic, the survey was reliant on how many phone numbers it could find for a representative sample — and also on people actually answering their mobile phones when an unknown number called. Only a quarter of Britons say they answer such calls, with most wary of scams. Fewer that half of UK households have a landline, and those numbers can be difficult to find.
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- Yahoo
Pampered pet pooch found disorientated but safe as community rallies around
THE family of a 'pampered pet pooch' has thanked the Warrington community for their generosity and compassion. Nicola Farley has thanked residents who helped her and her family find their golden retriever, Ralphy. The beloved pet dog went missing on Saturday during a walk along Sankey Valley Canal, with a widespread appeal being launched on social media. Kind-hearted residents banded together to look, with Ralphy now back safe and sound with his loving family. 'What started as a peaceful Saturday, gentle job along Sankey Valley Canal turned into an unforgettable adventure,' Nicola said. 'Our beloved family dog, Ralphy the golden retriever, went missing 'But what happened next was nothing short of extraordinary, and we are in awe of the community. 'From the moment we shared the news, the response was overwhelming, with hundreds of people—many complete strangers—rallying to help us search.' A drone pilot managed to find Ralphy (Image: Supplied) Social media lit up with shares, comments, and messages of support for the family, with a kind-hearted resident making a poster, and another helping in the search with a thermal camera. 'Two drones took to the skies, and on Sunday afternoon, a kind-hearted man and his drone spotted Ralphy—disoriented but safe—nestled in the reeds and long grass,' Nicola said. 'Ralphy is now home, tail wagging, and he is in great shape for a pampered pooch who spent a night under the stars. 'We are beyond grateful to everyone who gave their time, energy, and heart to help bring him back. 'In a world that can feel heavy, this experience reminded us how lucky we are to live in a community full of compassion and generosity. 'Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Ralphy says thank you too—with extra tail wags. 'I know this is not a wild and exciting story, and dogs go missing all the time, but I genuinely feel honoured and want to thank the community for the help, and for never giving up hope.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Abandoned pregnant dog has puppies after rescue
A heavily pregnant dog left to fend for herself on a remote Lancashire forest fell has been rescued and given birth to seven puppies. Exhausted, starving and shivering, all the Alsatian cross, christened Elsa by one of her rescuers, wanted to do was a find a safe and warm place to give birth. While initial attempts to catch her had failed, a determined small band of animal lovers tracked her down on Longridge Fell in the Ribble Valley. She was taken to the warm safety of Edencroft kennels in Chipping, near Clitheroe, where she gave birth to healthy puppies two days later, and rescuers say they are all "thriving". The week-long drama began with Ribble Valley Council dog warden Jonathan Higham receiving a report of a stray dog on Longridge Fell. He searched the fell and three days later spotted Elsa but was unable to catch her, so he called in support from volunteers at Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search and Rescue. Together they set up a large secure humane trap with food and a resting place, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. A remote camera was set up and monitored for several days and eventually Elsa "took the bait" and she was taken to Edencroft kennels. Mum and pups were then transferred to the Dogs Trust in Merseyside and homes will be found for them once the pups are weaned. Mr Higham said: "It was heartbreaking to see a dog in such a distressed and vulnerable state alone like that. "She's a beautiful dog and very mild-mannered but she wasn't microchipped and had no ID tag or anything to identify who she belonged to." He said her rescue "shows what can be achieved through different organisations working together". He added he was "pleased and proud" things had turned out all right for Elsa and her pups. Michelle Newns-Peers, from Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search and Rescue, said: "So many dogs are being abandoned. "To find out that a dog we were asked to help was heavily pregnant was absolutely shocking. "I am so relieved she didn't end up giving birth out there." She added she has been receiving updates on Elsa and her pups and they were "thriving". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Rescue dog moved 100 miles in search for new home Rail workers adopt dog found starving near tracks Dog walker's dramatic sea rescue caught on camera Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search and Rescue The Dogs Trust Merseyside Ribble Valley Borough Council
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3 hours ago
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Lifeboat station sees record number of donations
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