Ambulance Strike: Workers Feel Betrayed By Government – Union
Striking ambulance staff feels “utterly betrayed” by attempts to “paint them as uncaring”, a union has said. The GMB union has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accusing him of “demonizing” paramedics, call handlers, and emergency care assistants who are striking over pay and conditions. Ministers have accused workers of putting their lives at risk... Read More
More Flood Warnings Ahead Of Colder Spell – UK Weather
People across the UK are being urged to prepare for more heavy rain, flooding, and cold weather in the coming days. The Environment Agency has issued 80 flood warnings – mainly in the west and southwest England – and 155 flood alerts. An alert for severe cold weather has also been issued for England from... Read More
Decision Looms On Future of British Volt Giga Factory
Shareholders are due to vote on competing bids for the planned British volt battery factory in Northumberland. The result will decide the future of the troubled site, which intended to produce battery packs for electric cars. It was once touted by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a key part of his green industrial revolution.... Read More
Heavy Rain Causes Floods And Travel Chaos Across UK
Heavy rain and strong winds across the UK have led to flooding and travel disruption, as warnings continue with the more bad weather forecasts. As of Thursday afternoon, there were more than 60 flood warnings in England, 19 in Wales and two in Scotland, alongside almost 200 flood alerts. The National Grid said about 600... Read More
UK Is Falling Behind On Race To Curb Emissions Warns Review – Net Zero
The UK risks failing on its net zero plans unless it takes a “new approach” to green targets, a review has warned. The report by a Tory MP says the government needs to be clearer and more consistent with its own climate policies. Delays in climate action also put the UK at an economic disadvantage,... Read More
Protocol Row At Centre Of Political Talks In NI
Efforts to resolve the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol will be raised during talks later between Stormont parties and political leaders from Dublin and London. Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar will hold talks in Belfast with representatives of the largest parties. It will be his first visit as ta taoiseach to Northern Ireland since... Read More
100000 Civil Servants To Strike On 1st February
Around 100,000 civil servants are to strike on 1 February, the Public and Commercial Services union has announced. Union members in 124 government departments along with several other bodies will walk out. The action is an escalation of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions. PCS has been calling for a 10% pay rise, better... Read More
Royal Mail Tells People Not To Send Post Abroad Due To ‘Cyber Incident’
Royal Mail has asked people to stop sending mail abroad due to a “cyber incident” causing severe disruption. It said it was temporarily unable to send letters and parcels overseas and was “working hard” to resolve the issue. There are also minor delays to posts coming into the UK, but domestic deliveries are unaffected. The... Read More
Labour To Unveil Plan To Help Jobseekers Find Work
Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary is set to unveil plans to encourage older workers and those with medical conditions back into work. In a speech, Jonathan Ashworth will promise improved support for those who have recently left employment. He will also say more flexibility over fitness-to-work tests could help those on sickness benefits to... Read More
Firms Fear ‘Worst To Come’ – Energy Bill Support
Soaring energy prices have left households and businesses worried in recent months, with the government announcing an extension to support on offer for firms. But the new scheme for companies, charities, schools, and hospitals will be much less generous than the previous one. It will see firms get a discount on wholesale prices, rather than... Read More