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New regulations on rolled-up holiday pay confirmed

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New regulations announced this week could see temp and contract workers’ average wages boosted by an extra £1,000 per year.

The new rules will benefit workers with irregular or zero hours, or those working part of the year, as they will now be allowed to receive ‘rolled-up’ holiday pay.

Rolled up holiday pay is a system whereby workers’ holiday pay is wrapped up in their basic pay, rather than employers paying them when their holiday is actually taken. This means they get paid a slightly higher hourly rate and the business does not need to calculate a worker’s holiday entitlement.

Currently rolled-up holiday pay is unlawful, following a 2006 European Court ruling which expressed concerns that workers may not be incentivised to take leave as they could earn more holiday pay by staying at work.

The government had initially proposed to introduce rolled-up holiday pay as an option for all workers, but has decided it would offer little benefit to employees with regular hours.

New year regulations

Starting from January 1, 2024, these regulations will take effect, bringing about significant changes to holiday laws that will impact a large number of employers.

Additionally, a fresh system for calculating holiday entitlement will be introduced.

This quick implementation follows the government’s release of two sets of proposals earlier this year aimed at reforming holiday rights. The government has now provided its response and draft regulations.

The new Employment Rights Regulations 2023

  • Retaining two distinct ‘pots’ of annual leave and existing rate of holiday pay (4 weeks at normal rate of pay and 1.6 weeks at basic rate of pay)
  • The introduction of rolled up holiday pay for irregular hours workers and part-year workers, which would include some agency workers
  • Plans to legislate an accrual method to calculate entitlement at 12.07% of hours worked in a pay period for irregular hour workers and part-year workers in the first year of employment and beyond
  • The simplification of TUPE requirements and reduction of administrative burdens for small businesses

Tania Bowers, global public policy director at The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) said: “We have highlighted for years that rolled-up holiday pay is necessary and will protect agency and umbrella workers. We’re pleased to see that our recommendations have been seriously considered and adopted in this consultation response, including the rate of holiday pay and the simplification of TUPE requirements.

“The plans outlined are, in our view, the only fair way to pay irregular workers and ensure they are no longer at risk of losing accrued holiday pay due to the way they are employed. However, it is now important for recruiters and umbrella companies to assert to workers and end clients that individuals must take the holiday or pay they are owed and the Working Time Regulations.”

Mirror and Express owner to shelve 450 more jobs

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Reach plc, the largest regional publisher in the UK, has revealed its plan to cut 450 positions nationwide, including 320 editorial roles.

This move marks the third major round of cutbacks for Reach this year, following the loss of 102 editorial positions in January and an additional 192 in March.

Employees received the distressing news from the company’s chief executive, Jim Mullen, who indicated that changes would be implemented in the way they operate, their organisational structure, and how they address the challenges confronting the industry.

David Higgerson, chief digital publisher, informed staff that affected journalists, working on papers like the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo and nationals such as the Daily Star and Mirror, would be contacted by local leaders.

He shared details of new working hours, plans to merge digital and print content teams, and the establishment of a unified production and video hub for both editorial and commercial divisions, adding that they would “discontinue activities that no longer resonate with readers”.

Decision to downsize

The decision to downsize follows a decline in digital advertising revenues over the year, primarily due to algorithm adjustments that devalued news content.

Higgerson, in his message, noted that the current trading environment represents the “most challenging period for commercially-funded journalism” since he entered the industry in 1997. He also mentioned the BBC’s expansion of its online journalism operations as a potential factor reshaping the media landscape.

Higgerson stressed the necessity of adapting to the evolving industry to ensure the company’s resilience and the continued production of high-quality printed products, while also fostering new relationships with online audiences.

The National Union of Journalists expressed its dismay at the announcement, with national organiser Laura Davison underscoring the importance of securing the best possible outcomes for employees during this challenging period and urging Reach to engage meaningfully with its workforce.

While further details about the restructuring are pending, Mullen said the changes would aim to sustain their print products while expanding their reach to a larger digital audience.

Two-thirds of retailers say the ‘double whammy’ of spiralling interest rates and inflation will hit peak trading in the run-up to Christmas, according to a new survey

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Two-thirds of retailers say the ‘double whammy’ of spiralling interest rates and inflation will hit peak trading in the run-up to Christmas, according to a new survey.

More than four out of ten sellers (41%) are planning to buy less stock for festive shoppers because of the impact of 14 consecutive rate rises over the past two years, taking the base rate to 5.25%.

Inflation is also a big issue with 59% of merchants saying they are lowering margins rather than passing on the full cost of rising prices to customers

Six out of ten retailers (60%) are sensitive to accusations of ‘greedflation’ – passing on above inflation prices rises to boost margins.

The results are from a new survey of 500 retailers by Inventory Planner, which supplies forecasting and planning software for businesses.

It found that 70% of retailers had reported that inflation had had a major impact on inventory over the past 12 months.

More than six out of ten shops (61%) said they were concerned about losing market share if they passed on the full cost of rising prices.

Economic turmoil over the past year caused by rising interest rates and inflation has left many retailers facing a bleak outlook in 2024.

Just less than half of those surveyed (49%) said their cash flow position was ‘precarious’ and 42% said they had had frequent cash flow issues this year.

A third of those surveyed said they struggled to effectively manage cash flow.

Almost half of retailers (45%) have written off stock in the last year – with 29% forced to dump up to 10%.

Black Friday – scheduled for November 24  – will be even more important this year, with 67% of retailers planning to discount products.

The consumer downturn over the last six months has left 65% of retailers with excess stock and this is a ‘major concern’ to 48% of sellers.

Almost four out of ten retailers (37%) say they have too much cash tied up in inventory and 45% said they were struggling to forecast demand using manual spreadsheets.

Some 41% of retailers said they struggled to buy the right amount of stock and 45% said they needed to reduce their inventory carrying costs.

Just over four out of ten retailers (41%) had run out of stock in some lines over the last six months, with three–quarters of those affected saying this had resulted in a loss of revenue.

Almost a fifth of those surveyed (19%) recommended Inventory Planner software to better manage stock forecasting.

An Inventory Planner spokesperson said: “Retailers are being hit by the double whammy of spiralling interest rates and inflation in peak trading as we head towards Christmas.

“Many are reluctant to pass on the full impact of rising prices – sensitive to accusations of greedflation – which means that margins are being lowered.

“The economic turmoil has made stock forecasting even more hazardous in 2023 and too many retailers are still relying on time consuming manual spreadsheets to predict demand when automation can provide speedier and more accurate outcomes.”

Inventory Planner is used by more than 2,600 merchants worldwide to automate stock purchasing and better manage customer demand.

Couple’s Bold Adventure: Close Call with Intimate Moment Outside NFL Football Stadium

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Kaylee Killion, a well-known model celebrated for her captivating bikini photos and boasting an impressive following of 450,000 on Instagram (@kaylee_killi0n), recently made headlines for a heart-pounding escapade that nearly led to a public spectacle. In an unexpected twist of fate, Kaylee and her boyfriend, Cody Nelson, both renowned for their daring content, found themselves on the brink of exposure while enjoying a daring encounter outside an NFL football stadium.

This thrilling episode unfolded at Stake Farm Stadium during a lacklustre NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 8th. Faced with the Cardinals’ losing streak and a game that failed to capture their interest, Kaylee hatched a cheeky plan to inject excitement into their day. The duo decided to infuse a thrilling twist into their stadium visit by engaging in a romantic rendezvous within the confines of their discreetly parked car in the stadium’s parking lot.

As Kaylee candidly admits, “I am far more daring than Cody, so it was my idea. The Cardinals were losing, and I was feeling daring. We have had intimate moments in all sorts of unconventional and exciting places, so the stadium parking lot seemed like the perfect place to check off our list.”

Their intimate encounter in the backseat of their Ford Bronco took an audacious turn when an unexpected security guard appeared in a golf cart, forcing the couple to hold their breath. Miraculously, they managed to evade being caught in the act.

Reflecting on the close call, Kaylee shares, “We must’ve only been at it for about 10 minutes because it was so risky, with police and security guards around. The intimacy was electrifying, and the thrill of potential exposure added an extra layer of excitement. We only moved here two months ago after traveling around Europe in an RV for a while, but we quickly adopted the Cardinals as our team.”

The couple’s audacious adventures span the globe, with intimate moments shared in various unconventional settings, including hikes, airport bathrooms, and bars. Kaylee reveals, “We’ve explored our passion wherever you can think of, but the stadium parking lot is as close as we’ve come to getting caught. There’s always a risk when we engage in these escapades in public, but that’s what we love about it. We’re definitely going to continue embracing intimate moments in daring situations, as we find it incredibly thrilling.”

The daring duo has also shared intriguing TikTok videos chronicling their eventful day out, amassing thousands of views. They allude to a “part 2” of their adventure, leaving their fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

One curious viewer exclaimed, “Wait, what happened?!!” while another inquired, “What, why?” The anticipation is building as fans remain on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the thrilling secrets of the couple’s escapade.

Upgrading Home Security: NSWUK Introduces Innovative Burglar Alarms

In England and Wales, the year 2023 has seen a staggering 191,490 reported home burglaries, translating to an average of 525 burglaries per day, with a home being burgled approximately every 165 seconds. Additionally, there has been a concerning surge in commercial and business burglaries, with over 109,391 reported incidents across the UK, making it the second most frequently reported crime after shoplifting.

In response to this growing crisis, NSWUK was founded in 2000 by Chris Boyd. Chris’s unwavering commitment to his profession, coupled with a strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, swiftly earned NSWUK a reputation for providing exceptional services to its clients, leading to rapid expansion in its customer base.

NSWUK is well-prepared to offer clients comprehensive security solutions tailored to their specific requirements, thanks to its team of professionally trained experts specialising in door entry, access control, and gate safety.

What sets NSWUK apart is their cutting-edge burglar alarms, now available to provide safety and security to clients and customers.

NSWUK Burglar Alarms:

NSWUK offers professional monitored alarm systems in West Yorkshire, Huddersfield, and neighboring areas. They specialise in creating, installing, repairing, and servicing monitored alarm systems.

But how many different types are there, and which one is the best fit for you?

HKC Alarms:

These alarms are authorised by licensed HKC alarm system installers and feature a state-of-the-art design that allows for remote monitoring via a smartphone app. Users can access incident reports, arm and disarm their burglar alarms, and even receive notifications and images if their alarm is triggered, ensuring an efficient and secure system.

The HKC 10270 is a Grade 2 alarm panel that can be professionally monitored with an ARC. In the event of a break-in, a monitored alarm with a URN (Unique Reference Number) can be installed to ensure a prompt police response.

Ajax Alarms:

NSWUK is a certified installer of cutting-edge Ajax systems, offering advanced burglar alarms that can be monitored through a smartphone app. Users can conveniently arm and disarm their systems, access an event log, and receive notifications and photos if the alarm is activated, facilitating the reporting process to authorities. The Hub 2 Plus is their most popular model.

With state-of-the-art technology, Ajax systems respond to high-alert threats only, making them ideal for commercial and business properties as well.

Burglar Alarm Maintenance:

In addition to their alarm systems, NSWUK provides maintenance services and packages. These can be added alongside their alarms to ensure the best care possible.

Chris Boyd, Founder of NSWUK, emphasises the importance of proactive safety and security measures, stating, “Now more than ever, it’s essential to think ahead when it comes to safety and security, whether it’s for your own home or your beloved business.”

Boyd’s continuous pursuit of knowledge and commitment to self-improvement have propelled NSWUK’s growth over the years, contributing to addressing the break-in epidemic in the UK. This commitment is reflected in the design of their burglar alarms, resulting in a hassle-free, reliable security system.

For more information on NSWUK’s burglar alarms and systems, please visit their website.

Is Recycling Facing Challenges in the UK? A Closer Look

Recent research conducted by UK Skip Hire Central London experts Enviro Skip Hire suggests that more than half of the UK’s population misses opportunities to recycle from their homes.

In a 2020 European research study, it was revealed that the UK ranked third in terms of waste production, generating a staggering 282.4 tonnes of waste annually. Germany took the top spot, producing over 400 tonnes of waste, closely followed by France, which generated 310.4 tonnes of waste.

So, what does the data for 2023 indicate?

  • Surprisingly, Northern Ireland was the only region in the UK where the recycling rate did not increase.
  • The UK’s disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills increased by 0.7 million tonnes in 2020.

Enviro Skip Hire’s Managing Director, James Rubin, commented on the data, stating, “New data also shows that recycling is in fact becoming a normalised behaviour across the UK. With over 85% of the population consciously recycling, it’s clear to see that the trend is moving in the right direction. The more the population recycles, the less the population will require landfill and other costly waste disposal methods. Clothing and electricals are just some examples of what recycling plastic alone can be turned into.”

What lies ahead for recycling in the UK? It is likely that governments, councils, and organisations will seek more innovative approaches to managing waste. The UK may even follow the example of the USA by setting a goal to increase the national recycling rate by 50% by 2023.

The 21 proposed laws laid out in King Charles’ speech

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King Charles III, in his inaugural address as the monarch, has announced the government’s key objectives for the upcoming year.

The address unveiled a total of 21 proposed laws that prime minister Rishi Sunak aims to enact before Autumn 2024.

His Royal Highness said: “My government’s priority is to make decisions to make the difficult but necessary long term decision to change this country for the better. My minister’s focus is in increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come.

“My government will continue to take action to bring down inflation, to ease the cost of living for families and help businesses fund new jobs and investment.”

It was the first King’s Speech in 70 years, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It is likely to be the last before the next general election and so was the last chance to announce new bills to be introduced in this parliamentary session.

Which laws made the final legislative programme before the next election?

Animal welfare bill – aiming to permanently ban the export of live cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses from Britain.

Arbitration bill – to reduce current pressure on English and Welsh courts, by allowing two or more parties to resolve disputes via an arbitral tribunal.

Automated vehicles bill – Autonomous vehicles can operate without safety drivers on roads for the first time across Britain.

Criminal justice bill – To force offenders to attend their sentence hearing and to seek powers for transfer of prisoners in and out of England and Wales to serve time overseas.

Data protection and digital information bill – To ensure people can access ‘secure data use’ benefits

Digital markets, competition and consumers bill – To give the Competition and Markets Authority enhanced powers to tackle bad business practices.

Draft rail reform bill – To address key pillars of industry reform including the creation of Great British Railways.

Economic activities of public bodies bill – To ban statements being published that indicate boycotts across the UK.

Holocaust memorial bill – To build a planned Holocaust memorial next to the Houses of Parliament.

Football governance bill – A licensing system to assess club owners and finances against fan engagement standard.

Investigatory powers bill – Tech companies will need to alert the Home Office in advance about any security or privacy features they want to add.

Leasehold and freehold bill – To make it cheaper and easier for existing leaseholders in England and Wales to extend their lease or buy their freehold.

Media bill – To scrap a never-enacted rule forcing media companies to pay the legal bills of people who sue them, even if they win.

Offshore petroleum licensing bill – To award licences for oil and gas projects in the North Sea annually.

Pedicabs bill – A law to regulate and license the three-wheel vehicles.

Renters reform bill – To enable landlords more powers to evict antisocial tenants and an end to pet bans.

Sentencing bill – To hand down whole life orders to “horrific murderers” and more time in jail for rapists.

Terrorism bill – Martyn’s law (named after Manchester Arena bomb victim Martyn Hett) will make venues be better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack.

Tobacco and vapes bill – Legislation to phase out cigarettes being sold in England.

Trade bill – To seal a new trade deal with a range of Pacific and Asian nations.

Victims and prisoners bill – Jade’s law – a suspension of parental responsibility while any mother or father is serving time for killing the person with whom they shared that responsibility – to be introduced.

“More of the same”

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader has described the King’s Speech, which was written by the government, as a “plan for more of the same.”

He told the House of Commons: “Today’s address shows just how ridiculous that posturing is because what we have before us is a plan for more of the same, more sticking plasters, more division, more party first, country second gimmicks and no repudiation of the utterly discredited idea that economic growth is something the few hand down to the many. 

“In fact today we reach something of a new low because they are not even pretending to govern anymore. They have given up on any sense of service. They see our country’s problems as something to be exploited, not solved.” 

A Journey through Whistling’s History: Stanislav Kondrashov’s Latest Publication

In his latest online publication, titled “The mythical language of Whistling by Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into a remarkable human ability that is often taken for granted: the art of whistling. According to Kondrashov, this seemingly simple skill carries with it an aura of mystique and significance. It has, throughout different cultures in which it has developed, consistently stood out for its universality—a simple sound that connects people from all corners of the world.

Stanislav Kondrashov emphasises that the language of whistling served as a potent means of communication for various civilisations, particularly for indigenous communities that employed it to transmit crucial messages across valleys and mountainous landscapes. The author contends that whistling represents a true secret language, known only to its practitioners, which has always fascinated humans for this very reason. An example highlighted in the text is the Chinantecs of Mexico, who transmitted vocal narratives through the air using their remarkable whistling skills.

Even in an era dominated by the rapid communication of instant messaging via mobile phones, Kondrashov argues that whistling remains a preferred form of communication for many groups of people who find it more potent and effective than electronic messages. Among these groups are shepherds, farmers, and woodcutters, who continue to rely on whistling as one of the most efficient and immediate methods for signaling or conveying information.

The publication also explores the unique structure of whistling sounds, which the author compares to that of verbal languages. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, whistling possesses its own grammar, as well as various accents, dialects, and vocabulary for each distinct variant, resembling a fully codified linguistic system. Within these linguistic structures, the author asserts that one can discern the purest essence of different cultures and their core cultural elements.

To delve deeper into this fascinating exploration of the ancient art of whistling, readers are encouraged to peruse the full publication and engage with the accompanying video.

Stanislav Kondrashov’s Journey through the Evolution of Video Games

In a newly published work titled “The rise of Video Games by Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves deep into the evolution of video games, a phenomenon that has taken on a central role in the lives of many, transcending age groups over the past 15 to 20 years.

Kondrashov commences his analysis by tracing the origins of video games, where players were initially presented with the simplicity of two rectangular paddles exchanging a ball in a game known as “Pong.” According to Kondrashov, this marked the inception of a new era in entertainment, one that would profoundly transform people’s leisure activities.

The author draws an intriguing parallel between the apparent simplicity of the earliest video games and the complexity of contemporary virtual realities that engross modern players. The first part of the publication focuses on arcade video games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, which swiftly revolutionised the lives of many, offering a new and highly enjoyable pastime.

As iconic brands like Nintendo, Sega, and Atari gained prominence, these video games found their way into people’s homes, becoming integral components of household entertainment. According to Kondrashov, the first significant revolution in the world of video games occurred with the transition from 2D to 3D visualisation, largely driven by platforms such as Xbox and PlayStation. Games like Halo and Tomb Raider, in Kondrashov’s view, significantly enhanced the overall gaming experience by introducing depth, graphical advancements, and expansive playing environments.

Another pivotal transformation came with the expansion of video games into the online realm, offering millions of players the opportunity to interact and play in real-time with others located on the opposite side of the globe. This led to the formation of thriving player communities that continue to grow. Notable examples illustrating this shift include World of Warcraft and League of Legends, both of which, according to Stanislav Kondrashov, played a fundamental role in this epochal transition.

For a more comprehensive exploration of this topic, readers are encouraged to delve into the full publication and accompanying video.

Pyrography as an Art Form: Stanislav Kondrashov’s Creative Inquiry

In his latest publication titled “The expression of pyrography by Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into a lesser-known art form that, in his opinion, has the potential to convey a multitude of stories and emotions spanning centuries: pyrography. This artistic expression is rooted in the act of burning wood, a form of art that, according to Stanislav Kondrashov, deserves appreciation from a broad audience, including those who may not consider themselves artisans.

Kondrashov mentions the etymology of the word “pyrography,” which originates from Greek words meaning “writing” and “fire.” According to the author, pyrography is an ancient and intriguing practice often overlooked by traditional art enthusiasts.

The pyrographic technique involves using a heated metal tool to engrave designs on a surface, typically made of wood. According to the author, pyrography provides artists with an unconventional canvas to convey their artistry.

Stanislav Kondrashov suggests that the origins of this technique may be linked to a serendipitous discovery. Our ancestors could have stumbled upon it by chance, possibly by placing a small piece of wood near a fire and observing the engravings that could be created on its surface. From that point, pyrography evolved significantly, leaving its mark on the art forms of civilisations such as the Egyptians and the Han in China. Kondrashov describes it as a “unique medium” for artistic and artisanal endeavors due to its ability to be a valuable ally to these specific categories.

The article also discusses how this form of artistic expression can extend to surfaces other than wood, such as leather, paper, or even pumpkins, which can be used in various ways to engrave designs or other graphical symbols. However, according to the author, wood remains the preferred surface for pyrography artists due to its responsiveness to heat and the captivating characteristics it develops with age.

According to Stanislav Kondrashov, the creative process leading to the creation of pyrographic engravings is akin to a meditative exercise, requiring patience, precision, and unwavering focus.

To learn more about this fascinating art form, we recommend readers to explore the full publication and watch the accompanying video.