Helen Barnard

If I'm sitting in one seat of a 4 seater on the train, and someone else comes and chooses to sit opposite me rather than diagonally - how weird is that? I mean, why on earth would you do that?

We've updated our explainer on doctors' pay in England 👨‍⚕️ It includes this analysis of real-terms changes to resident doctors' pay since 2010/11. We also explore longer-term trends in doctors' pay, and how it compares with the wider economy. Read here: buff.ly/sFnmx8x

We do need to find ways to tax wealth more effectively. But it's important to use evidence & do it in smart ways that minimise impacts on growth & productive investment.

I know I'm in a minority, and they look pretty, but I just can't stop hating waterfall charts. I just find them so unintuitive to interpret.

NEW📕 Page 32 “What national policy initiatives could make a positive difference to unpaid carers? 98%: paid leave would have a significant positive benefit Directors similarly enthusiastic: fully funded national carers strategy, or expanded eligibility for Carers’ Allowance.”

2 / 3 of all support provided by @TrussellUK food banks is for families with children. Those with 3 or more children are disproportionately facing hunger & hardship. That's why we've joined this call - the two child limit must go. @LabourList labourlist.org/2025/07/two-ch…

Our new research with @RCPCHtweets - 1 year on from the launch of the government's Child Poverty Taskforce, kids are experiencing more severe health issues due to poverty, placing a system already stretched thin under much more considerable strain. standard.co.uk/news/politics/…

There’s a man sitting opposite me eating skittles. With his mouth open. There’s a wet squelching sound every time he chews. It’s a family size bag of skittles.

Well, the weather in Leeds looks lovely for the next week…

Azra’s right. Akram’s wrong. He said he’d help Lynda, she was very clear she didn’t want to be involved. If Akram has a work clash it’s for him to tell Lynda he can’t do the meeting. Not guilt trip Azra into going, so Lynda can guilt trip her some more. #TheArchers

Neil was absolutely bang out of order to ask Martin to Tracey’s party. Doesn’t matter that he assumed, rightly, Martin would say know. He had no right to ask. #TheArchers

Excellent analysis from @wpi_economics on one of the Employment Rights Bill's two #sickpay reforms, day one sick pay. Improved productivity, retention and morale all add up to a £2bn net business benefit.

Bad news for families struggling to afford essentials: millions already face hunger & hardship. Rising food & fuel prices ramp up pressure on families and the food banks & charities trying to support them. Bad news for government too: stagflation very difficult to tackle.

UK inflation jumps to 3.6% in year to June - follow live to see what it means for you and your money bbc.in/4nRP8Dv

The Good Life followed by Yes Minister. No finer comfort TV.

'Want' - by Helen Barnard (@Helen_Barnard) - find out more here: uk.bookshop.org/a/7152/9781788…

There's a woman on my train who's been talking non-stop for 70 minutes. No, sorry, she's been *complaining* non-stop for 70 minutes. I literally haven't heard her companion say a single word.

Not. Helpful.