
Quarter of Brits skip breakfast due to lack of time, options and wanting a bigger lunch, survey shows
A new survey shows that people are more likely to skip their first meal on weekdays, and that
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While many skip their first meal on weekdays, a lot of Brits report going "all out" on weekends
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Failing to start the day with breakfast means, for most, that they will not eat anything until lunchtime
Credit: SWNS
A poll of 2,000 adults found 34 per cent of those who skip breakfast do so because they don't have enough time in the morning.
While 13 per cent go without because they opt to have a large lunch instead and 12 per cent because they have nothing in their cupboards to eat.
And when they don't manage to eat first thing, on average they won't eat until midday.
However, 43 per cent are less likely to avoid breakfast at the weekends, with 29 per cent of those eat breakfast admitting they like to go all out at that time of the week.
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This is especially the case for Millennials (44 per cent) who do this more than any other generation – just ahead of Gen Zs (35 per cent).
A spokesperson for McDonald's UK, which commissioned the research and has launched its first-ever Breakfast Saver Menu trial across 332 restaurants, featuring Sausage Sandwich and Saver Bacon Roll options, said: 'It's widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, yet it often gets neglected.
'This is understandable as we might wake up with good intentions only for them to fall by the wayside.
'Life moves fast – especially it seems, first thing in the morning when you need to get out and away without delay.'
Most read in The Sun
It emerged 57 per cent have woken up with the intention of having breakfast but failing to do so.
Again, lack of time is a factor (47 per cent), along with not feeling hungry (34 per cent), not wanting what's in their cupboards (14 per cent).
Costco shoppers rave over 'delish' breakfast sandwich that's 'better than McDonald's' for just $2.06
As many as 37 per cent eat the same thing for breakfast everyday – with 28 per cent enjoying a variety.
However, 44 per cent 'like' the idea of switching things up.
Overall, the most popular options are cereal (48 per cent), toast (47 per cent), and fruit (26 per cent).
And the overwhelming majority of those who eat breakfast enjoy it – with 47 per cent of the opinion it's the most important meal of the day.
While 43 per cent went as far as describing their meal choices as 'exciting', although 47 per cent feel differently, describing their go-to breakfasts as 'not exciting.'
Carried out through OnePoll, the research found 58 per cent typically have breakfast at home but 22 per cent 'crave' a breakfast they can't make at home.
A spokesperson for McDonald's UK added: 'Breakfast doesn't have to be something you mindlessly eat just for the sake of it.
'Even when you're in a rush it can still be something nice – and it doesn't need to cost the earth.'

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The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
We're left scrapping for benefits in UK's ‘PIP city' while jobless kids claims £100s thanks to TikTok ‘sickfluencers'
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It is a schism that shines a light on a wider debate gripping Britain, where - despite there being many young people legitimately claiming benefits - vulnerable pensioners living on minimal support fear they are being left in the lurch in favour of unscrupulous claimants. Beryl, 71, reveals: 'One person I know claimed it for acne, another for OCD. It's far too easy to get hold of these days. 'I have a genuine disability. I don't understand how some people are getting it so easily when people like me have to fight for it. 'I know someone in his twenties, diabetic, and yes, he has some health issues, but he's just been awarded the full whack and he's pulling in about £1,600 a month. "He could work. He chooses not to." Famous for its shipyards and steelmaking that were once at the centre of Britain's industrial revolution, Hartlepool has a proud history built off the back of its tireless work force. 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PIP hotspot Across six central wards in Hartlepool, a staggering one in five working-age adults is now on PIP. For many, the ire is pointed at drug users and street drinkers we saw congregating by a community centre. One, seen leaving a corner shop, with a carrier bag filled with beer, said he had "mental health" and "was stressed". 8 Paula Spence, 70, was forced to retire aged 55 and has been reliant on PIP since Credit: Ben Lack 8 Across six central wards in Hartlepool, a staggering one in five working-age adults is now on PIP Credit: Ben Lack At a sandwich shop in the town centre, Claire Jarvis, 43, revealed how her husband had not been able to secure PIP despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing gruelling radiation therapy. She said: 'I understand that some people genuinely need benefits - I'm not against that. But I think the wrong people are getting the help while people who really need it are being left with nothing. 'My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. "He went through radiotherapy, he still suffers now - he's got burns all over his back, his bowels are damaged, and he's had to go to work because he's scared he'll lose his job. "And yet when we applied for PIP, he scored zero on the assessment. 8 Claire Jarvis, 43, revealed how her husband had not been able to secure PIP despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer Credit: Ben Lack 8 A Taxpayers Alliance analysis suggested there were 187 PIP claimants for every 1,000 Hartlepool residents Credit: Ben Lack "Meanwhile, there are people who are playing the system, claiming for mental health or back pain without any proper diagnosis, and they're getting everything. "People say there are no jobs but that's nonsense. If you wanted a job, you could go out and get a job. "It's galling to work hard while other people are in the beer garden spending their benefits." Mrs Jarvis' co-worker Charlie Williamson, 26, missed out on support for her five-year-old daughter who has epilepsy. She told how she comes to work despite suffering from anxiety and the stresses of caring for her young child. The wrong people are getting the help while people who really need it are being left with nothing. Claire Jarvis, 43 Ms Williamson said: "I was just in this dark place where I just had no motivation to do anything. I was just getting myself in a dark place. "I was scared to work because of the anxiety, but then at the same time, I wanted to work. "I'm glad that I do work. I absolutely see the importance of it and I look forward to it now." A Taxpayers Alliance analysis suggested there were 187 PIP claimants for every 1,000 Hartlepool residents, the second highest rate in England behind the Merseyside constituency of Knowsley. They are among 12 local authorities in England and Wales where the proportion on PIP exceeds one in six. Anyone with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their day-to-day life can get PIP, including adults in full-time employment. 8 Mrs Jarvis' co-worker Charlie Williamson, 26, missed out on support for her five-year-old daughter who has epilepsy Credit: Ben Lack PIP is split into two parts and claimants can be eligible for both. The daily living part goes to adults needing help with everyday tasks, whereas the mobility part is doled out to those who require assistance getting around. Applicants are assessed on a points-based system, scoring between zero and 12 depending on how much difficulty they have with basic day-to-day activities - such as preparing and eating food. At present, anyone who scores between eight and 11 points qualifies for the standard rate of the daily living component, currently worth £73.90 a week. Those awarded 12 points or more receive the enhanced rate, paying £110.40 a week. Under existing rules, applicants must reach at least eight points - across any combination of tasks - to receive the lowest level of support. 'Genuinely needy overlooked' Paula Spence, 70, was forced to retire aged 55 and has been reliant on PIP since. She said: 'I've worked since I was 16 - I was a hairdresser, then later a lollipop lady, which I loved. "But the cold weather and standing for hours ruined my joints. I was laid off at 55 on medical advice, and I've never worked since. I'm on PIP now because I genuinely need it. 'I'll be honest - there are some people around here who just don't want to work. Some are lazy. They're on the dole, they claim PIP for things that don't stop them working, and it's wrong. I'm not saying that's everyone, but it does happen. "Meanwhile, there are genuine cases where people are really struggling, and they're the ones being made to jump through hoops.' 8 Hartlepool is among 12 local authorities in England and Wales where the proportion on PIP exceeds one in six Credit: Ben Lack Figures show nearly a third of working-age adults in some parts of England are now claiming PIP, with more than 3.6 million people receiving it as of January - up from just over two million three years ago. Critics say the spiralling £143billion welfare bill should serve as a wake-up call to ministers after the Government was forced into a U-turn on proposed welfare reforms following pressure from over 120 MPs. The original plans, designed to save five billion by tightening eligibility for PIP, were shelved. A spokesperson for the Taxpayers Alliance said: "Many PIP assessments are now done remotely, with as little as two to four per cent of disability assessments happening in person. 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The Irish Sun
21 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Mum issues urgent warning as toddler left screaming in agony at seaside hotspot thanks to beachgoers' dangerous mistake
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Amy Lambert, 36, and her husband Richard Lambert, 37, had driven to Dorset on August 4 for a week's holiday with their two sons Harry and Tommy, 6. The family enjoyed the first five days of their holiday playing on Avon beach in Mudeford, Christchurch. But when the family-of-four visited the beach on August 9th, the mum-of-two said Harry ran over a 'hot' patch of sand while playing and began to scream. Company director Richard rushed Harry into the sea to try and cool his scorched feet down in the water, initially baffled by what had upset him. As Harry continued to cry, Amy rushed her son back up to the lodge where they were staying and ran his feet under the sink for 20 minutes. But when this offered no relief, the company director drove him to Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, Dorset, where she was told he had suffered surface burns on his feet. Wince-inducing photos show the two-year-old's scorched feet had erupted with 'fluid-filled' blisters on each toe, before they were carefully bandaged up. After flagging the incident to a lifeguard after it happened, it was later discovered to be a fire pit concealed by sand that was still burning. Now healing, Amy is sharing her son's story to urge people to put out fire pits and disposable BBQs on the beach properly - to ensure it doesn't happen to anyone else. UK Basks in Glorious Sunshine: Thousands Flock to Beaches as Heatwave Hits Amy, from Fordingbridge, Hampshire, said: "We went down on the beach in the morning. "My son Harry was running along on the beach, playing with his digger and he ran across this patch on the beach and instantly started screaming. "My husband put two and two together and instantly put him in the sea. "His feet were bright red and from the moment it happened he screamed for a whole hour. "I felt hopeless as there was nothing we could do [to stop the pain]. "[While I looked after Harry], my husband had gone back to the beach with my other son to tell the lifeguard. "The lifeguard then got a large bucket of water from the sea and poured it over it [the hot patch of sand]. "A huge cloud of smoke came off it as it was boiling. "As they poured more water on it, they discovered a fire pit underneath that had been dug into the sand. "It looked like normal sand and there was nothing to say there was a fire pit there at all. 7 Harry had his feet bandaged up after being taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 7 He suffered surface burns on his feet and left with a blister on every toe Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 7 The toddler screamed for an hour because he was in that much pain Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media "It was heartbreaking to see him in pain as there was nothing I could do and I couldn't explain it to him either as he's so small. "He just kept screaming, 'I don't like it, I don't like it'. "The hospital said that him being in pain was a good thing as he hadn't suffered any nerve damage and it was just surface burns. "He had blisters on every one of his toes and the soles of his feet were bright red." At the hospital, Harry had both his feet bandaged up and returned the next day for a check up. Thankfully, Amy says his injuries are now healing well and he will not need surgery on his feet. Amy said: "He still had the blisters on his toes but they were happy with his progress. "He has three blisters that are quite large and round and filled with fluid but the others are quite flat. "Harry is very lucky. He is only small and if he had fallen over or hit his face, it could have been worse. "He's a little water baby and loves to be down near the sea. "We do intend to get him back down there as soon as we can so he's not worried. It's not something we'd ever think would happen to him." Since the incident, Amy has now shared Harry's story on social media to warn people about the importance of disposing of their beach BBQs and fire pits properly. Amy said: "For me, I've always known not to cover a BBQ but maybe people don't know this. "If you're down on the beach in the evening having a good time, you're probably not thinking about the people the next day. "They probably think that if they cover it, it will be cold the next day. Actually it's making it worse as sand is a conductor and generates more heat. "It was just as hot as if there was still a fire there. You just need to cool it down and get rid of it properly." Anthony Rogers, head of seafront at BCP Council, said: "It is disappointing that the inconsideration of others has ruined what should have been a lovely trip to the beach for the Lambert family. "Disposable BBQs are only allowed on our beaches from 6pm to 10.30pm and we consistently ask everyone who uses one to dispose of them properly - that means extinguishing them carefully and leaving it next to our bins ready for collection. "BBQs should never be buried or put into bins whilst hot and this is an unfortunate reminder of precisely why. "We wish Harry a speedy recovery and hope he can return and enjoy the beach again soon."


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Fears for the Full English breakfast as Gen Zs ‘ditching bacon for avocado,' survey shows
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