THE Taoiseach returns today from Washington. At the top of his in-tray is next Tuesday’s ministerial reshuffle. This represents his last chance to refresh his Government.

The next-door neighbours of Shannon Matthews were arrested today on suspicion of benefit fraud, sources said.

A leading union today warned the government that job cuts in the civil service were damaging services after reports that benefit claimants were being given food vouchers as they waited to receive their money.

A wide-ranging Welfare Reform Bill is to be rushed through the Northern Assembly today.

Balfour Beatty today said it was on track to meet forecast earnings for 2006, after orders grew by 20%.

A large number of staff in Jobcentres, Benefit Offices and the combined Jobcentre Plus offices in Britain have all had to deal with violence at work, according to new research out today.