The Know Daily - Monday 8 December 2025

_{Read in 4m 17s ∙ Listening to Andy Williams ∙}

Girls Who Code is gearing up to help close the gender gap in entry-level tech jobs by 2030! Their new initiative aims to reach 5 million girls and young women through turning summer schools into year-round adventures, supporting college projects and building regional learning hubs. It’s all about making coding more fun and “changing the image of what a computer scientist looks like and does” to boost the industry.

🩺 Doctors’ strikes in England

Resident doctors in England are set to strike for five days in the run-up to Christmas. 

A quick lowdown.
Resident doctors – who were previously known as junior doctors – in England are set to strike for five days from 17–22 December, after the union said the government has failed to make “sufficient progress towards a viable deal on jobs and pay”. This follows their last strike in November.

What’s behind the strikes?
It’s all about pay, job security and training opportunities. Resident doctors say the government hasn’t offered a “credible plan” to address these issues. Even though pay has risen by nearly 30% over the past three years, the British Medical Association (BMA) argues that further increases are needed to offset long-term inflation. There are also concerns that many doctors are missing out on specialty training posts, despite having strong qualifications.

Has this happened before?
Yes. England has seen 13 doctors strikes since 2023, often focused on similar issues like pay and training. These moments are part of an ongoing conversation between doctors, the NHS and the government, rather than a sudden or unusual event. Hospitals typically continue to provide emergency care during these periods, while some routine appointments may be rescheduled.

What’s the response been?
Reactions have been mixed. The government has said it won’t offer further pay increases at this stage, while the BMA has indicated its strike mandate could continue into 2026. And then there’s the public opinion. A recent YouGov survey found 53% of Britons opposed the strikes, with 38% in support. Media coverage has highlighted both the pressures doctors face and the potential disruption to patients. As reported by The Independent, the NHS believes both sides need to get back around the table to sort out the disconnect. 

A few things to keep in mind.
Even though emergency services will continue, there are simple steps to stay ahead:
⏱️ Check any upcoming appointments you might have in the diary
📞 Contact your GP surgery or hospital for updates on service availability
💊 Make sure you have any essential medications stocked up

💰 Money Monday: We’re all a bit more conscious of bills when chilly season sets in, but here are a few heating hacks that can make your home feel warmer without cranking the thermostat.

• The bigger story: The BBC says simple habits – like opening curtains during the day for natural heat, then closing them at dusk – can help keep warmth in. Using draught excluders around doors, windows and unused fireplaces also makes a big difference. Experts recommend keeping rooms you use between 18°C and 21°C. Oh and hot tip (literally) make sure your radiators aren’t blocked!

🤝 Zarah Sultana has suggested that Your Party could team up with the Green Party to prevent Nigel Farage from winning the next general election.

📺 Netflix announced that it has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. film and TV studios, plus its gaming business, HBO and HBO Max, for $72 billion.

🏎️ Lando Norris turned a lifelong dream into reality by becoming 2025’s Formula 1 World Champion!

🎧 Spotify Wrapped’s new age feature has been the talk of the weekend – but a lot of people have been pretty surprised by what they’ve been given!

🎆 New Year’s Eve plans up in the air? These 10 European cities have been ranked by how much they’re worth visiting to welcome in 2026.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: Closing the gender investment gap, Gen Z shopping trends and World Building of the Year.  

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Trivia answer: C) Cherries have been everywhere these last few months – from the fashion set at festivals, to Dua Lipa on holiday, to nail art.

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