Tesco has reached an agreement with trade union USDAW that will increase the hourly pay rate for colleagues in stores, from £12.02 to £12.45 from 30 March 2025, and again to £12.64 from the end of August. This two-stage rate increase represents an above-inflation increase of 5.2% and builds on the significant investment Tesco has made in colleague pay and benefits in recent years. This latest £180m investment in colleague pay will mean hourly-paid colleagues will have seen a pay increase of 32% since April 2022, equivalent to a more than £900m investment. Tesco remains one of the few supermarkets to recognise an independent trade union and negotiate pay rates with them for all its hourly-paid colleagues in the UK. As part of this pay deal for colleagues, Tesco will also be making the following changes:  The London allowance will increase to £1.21, up 7.1%, taking rates from £13.15 per hour to £14.36 per hour. To bring Tesco in line with other retailers, it will be removing Sunday premium payments, with eligible colleagues receiving a one-off payment. Bank Holiday premiums will be retained. Providing Colleague Clubcard discount with no cap for colleagues and their second Clubcard holder, replacing the previous £2,000 allowance. Increasing the maximum company sick pay entitlement to 20 weeks for eligible colleagues. On top of its pay deal, Tesco continues to have a market-leading package of colleague benefits, including a Virtual GP service for colleagues, the right to request flexible working from day one, and enhanced family leave polices including 26 weeks fully paid maternity and six weeks fully paid paternity. Tesco also provides colleagues with Colleague Clubcard discount of up to 15% on their shopping, free food in store canteens and a pay advance scheme. Alongside this, colleagues benefit from a competitive reward package that includes share save schemes, the award-winning Tesco Retirement Savings Plan which matches contributions up to 7.5%, an Employee Assistance Programme and much more.  Matthew Barnes, Tesco UK CEO, said: “Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and this pay deal recognises the brilliant work they put in day-in, day-out to serve our customers. It also represents another significant investment in our colleague pay, which combined with our fantastic package of benefits, means Tesco continues to be a place to get on and thrive in a fulfilling and rewarding career.” Daniel Adams, USDAW National Officer, said: “It is a real achievement that Usdaw reps have been able to secure an above-inflation pay deal that builds on the negotiations of the last few years. Not only does it ensure a meaningful gap between the Tesco rates of pay and the National Living Wage in April, but it also means that in August, the basic rate of pay in Tesco will exceed the Real Living Wage rate outside of London and meet it within the M25. This, along with the other negotiated improvements, demonstrates the value of a modern and progressive relationship between independent trade unions and employers.” Ends

Prosper Garden Centre Buying Group is delighted to announce that Henry Street Garden Centre has joined its network of award-winning centres. This strategic move aligns with Prosper’s ongoing growth plan, which focuses on strengthening its membership with family-owned independent garden centres. Terry Head, Stewarts Retail & Marketing Director and Chairman of Prosper, commented: “At our annual strategic meeting, we identified independent, family-owned garden centres that align with our values and bring valuable experience to the group. Henry Street Garden Centre is a perfect fit, reinforcing our commitment to collaboration and excellence in the industry.” “Now, with ten independent, family-owned businesses working together, our collective strength is more important than ever. In these challenging economic times and at the beginning of a crucial season, seeing our members unite to share knowledge, enhance efficiencies, and grow together is inspiring. We are excited about the opportunities that the addition of Henry Street will bring to the group.” Alan Goold, one of the Henry Street Business Partners, says: “We are very pleased to become part of the Prosper Group. As a family-run business for over 100 years, we have weathered and benefited from the ever-changing horticultural industry, and we feel this is the right next step in an ever more competitive market. We look forward to working in cooperation with a group of like-minded businesses to help benefit both our customers and suppliers going forward.” The addition of Henry Street Garden Centre marks another milestone for Prosper Buying Group, which continues to champion excellence, innovation, and shared success within the horticultural retail sector.

Empathetic leaders that show care and concern for their workers’ wellbeing are more likely to boost remote and hybrid staff performance than those who remain emotionally distant, according to new research by Durham University Business School and Athens University of Economics and Business. The researchers also found that leaders who have a vision and are able to share their long-term goals and missions effectively are more likely to boost employee effectiveness. Conducted by Anders Friis Marstand, Associate Professor of Leadership at Durham and Olga Epitropaki, Professor of Management, alongside Ilias Kapoutsis, Associate Professor of Management at Athens University, the study sought to understand the psychological distance that can occur between remote workers and their managers. The researchers focused on three leadership behaviours that could close the gap; how they created employee structure, their consideration and communication of their vision. The study looked at how these behaviours impacted upon workers’ efficiency with tasks, their emotional coping, and performance outcomes. To do so, the researchers used data from two specific studies; a four-wave online study of over 300 remote workers, and a four-wave study of over 200 hybrid workers. The first study interviewed hybrid workers and how they interacted with their managers, exploring aspects of their manager-employee relationship including; psychological distance, task performance, and the leadership behaviours of their boss. The second study focused on the same areas but with remote workers, in order to provide a direct comparison between remote and hybrid workers. The researchers found that when managers showed care and clearly communicated their vision, employees working remotely felt closer to them, helping employees to manage their work better. However, whilst such empathy boosted employee wellbeing and performance, the study revealed it also led to more avoidance behaviours, like watching TV or browsing social media during work hours. Whilst, the researchers also found that leaders who showed care had the same positive impact on task performance for both remote and hybrid workers, helping employees feel closer to their managers and better manage their tasks. The researchers say the findings highlight the importance of leaders being more supportive of their employees. “Remote working spiked during the covid pandemic, and a steady balance has now been found in office roles, with estimates of around 44% of workers in the UK working in some form of remote work role, according to the ONS.” say Professor Epitropaki and Dr. Marstand. “But with a growing trend of managers asking workers to return to the office to boost performance, it could be the case that it is not home working that has reduced performance, but manager’s poor leadership skills instead.” To enable managers to better connect with remote staff, initiatives like scheduling regular one-on-one and team meetings to discuss progress and challenges, and addressing well-being concerns are important. Whilst also, clear and transparent communication of goals and objectives can reduce perceptions of distance and enhance employee coping, remote collaboration and performance. Investing in leadership training in remote contexts will also help leaders adapt to the changing landscape of work and offer them practical tools on how to lead from a distance.

UK consumers are willing to pay more for water in biodegradable plastic bottles, but it’s not enough to cover the additional cost of manufacturing, finds new research from Corvinus University of Budapest. Professor Matthew Gorton from Corvinus University and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise, and colleagues, investigated how the type of packaging (biodegradable plastic or non-biodegradable PET), a charitable donation being made alongside purchase, origin (local or foreign), and price impact on UK consumers’ willingness to pay for bottled water. They also investigated the influence of consumers’ levels of nature relatedness and green consumption values on purchase. They found UK consumers are willing to pay more for water in biodegradable plastic bottles, compared to non-biodegradable PET - up to 49p extra. “While consumers are willing to pay more for biodegradable packaging, at present the costs of biodegradable plastic packaging are similar to, or greater than, the average willingness to pay identified in the study,” says Professor Gorton. “It is difficult for manufacturers to pass on the full additional cost of biodegradable plastics to consumers when switching from PET containers,” adds fellow researcher and associate professor Áron Török from Corvinus University. As price was also found to be the most important aspect consumers consider when deciding whether to make a purchase or not, the expansion of biodegradable plastic hinges on cost-reducing innovations. As consumers’ level of nature relatedness increases, indicating a connection with nature, biodegradable packaging becomes more preferable than non-biodegradable. However, higher levels of green consumption values, related to environmental concern when buying, are associated with opting out of purchasing bottled water altogether. While consumers tend to prefer local products and will pay extra for them, the origin of water had a relatively modest effect on willingness to pay in this study. Therefore, companies must do more than just emphasise the localness of their product. Consumers were also more willing to pay for bottled water if a charitable donation was being made with their purchase. These findings were first published in the Journal of Environmental Management.

A warning has been issued as a new scam explodes in the US, amid fears UK will also be targeted The new con involves scammers sending a text message about an unpaid toll fine, to steal money and personal information from victims Tech specialists from IT training provider Tecnovy Academy have issued a warning to Brits, as a new SMS scam erupts across the US, with fears scammers will target the UK next. The scam is a form of ‘smishing’, or SMS phishing, where victims are targeted via text messages, informing them that they have an unpaid fine for using a toll road. These texts prompt users to enter their credit card details into a third-party site, in order to settle the ‘fine’. A large number of US citizens have taken to social media to share the unusual texts they have received, prompting the following warning from the Federal Trade Committee (FTC): "Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam. Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money." Many of the UK’s toll roads allow contactless payments at the gates, with a charge calculated and taken from your account long after you have driven away. Others, such as the Mersey Gateway Bridge, are free flow tolls, meaning drivers can pay online before or after using the road. This switch to cash-free, digital payments makes the UK a potential target for this new toll road smishing scam. Ertul Topuzoglu, CEO of Tecnovy Academy , has offered the following information on the scam, including advice to anyone who may receive a suspicious text: “This scam is a clever one, as the texts often give a small and specific amount of money that users supposedly owe, which adds an air of credibility to the trap." “The text will prompt recipients to click on a link, and then to fill in either their bank or their credit card details. Not only is the scammer attempting to gain access to your account to steal money, but also to get your personal information in order to steal your identity." “If you receive a suspicious text about an unpaid toll fine, do not click on any links or reply to the message. The scammers want you to act quickly, but it is better to pause and check out the legitimacy of the message." “Reach out to the tolling company via contact details on their official website, rather than using any information from the text. You should then forward the suspicious text to 7726, which is free to do, and will report the scam to your mobile provider. “If you think you have lost money or been hacked because of this scam, contact Action Fraud by reporting online or calling 0300 123 2040 if you are in England or Wales, or report the scam to the police if you are in Scotland. “Warning your friends and family about potential scams like this one can help to protect those who may be more vulnerable to phishing.”

British Cycling has announced its most ambitious strategy to date, setting out a four-year goal to reinforce Britain’s position as a world-leading cycling nation while delivering an unprecedented contribution to society, health, and the economy. Twenty-seven million adults in Britain ride a bike each year, making cycling one of the most popular national activities which empowers people to be more active, healthier and happier. However, new research undertaken for British Cycling has identified that inequalities currently exist in terms of access – particularly among children from lower-income families. British Cycling has found that: 97% of children from the highest socio-economic backgrounds can ride a bike, compared with 89% of children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds – leaving nearly 350,000 children from low-income families without this fundamental life skill and exacerbating the vast disparity in health and social outcomes. Two-thirds (66%) of children who cannot ride a bike want to learn, yet 41% cite lack of access to a bike as the biggest barrier. Children from disadvantaged communities are a third less likely to enjoy cycling than those from wealthier backgrounds – compared to football and athletics – highlighting the divide in opportunity. Informed by these and other latest insights, British Cycling has developed a purpose-centred strategy to ensure cycling is a thriving sport and a vehicle for societal change: To support and grow the sport : Make cycling more diverse and inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, gender, or ability, can experience the joy and benefits of cycling, whether for sport, travel, or leisure. To lead on the world stage : Cement Britain’s position as the most competitive cycling nation, not just winning medals, but winning ‘well’, with integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. To drive social impact : Use cycling as a catalyst for positive change, tackling inequalities, and helping people live healthier, happier, and more active lives. British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton said: "Cycling has the power to transform lives, yet too many people face stubborn barriers to getting on a bike. Whether for transport, leisure, or sport, everyone should have the opportunity to ride - regardless of their background or circumstances." “Right now, our research shows that hundreds of thousands of children who want to ride simply don’t have access – we must change that as part of our wider commitment to breaking down barriers for all. This is about more than sport. It’s about tackling the UK’s health, wealth, and social inequalities head-on, ensuring that cycling is a force for good in every community." Turning Vision Into Action To achieve this, British Cycling will deliver tangible benefits for communities nationwide through a combination of investment, partnerships, and on-the-ground programmes, including: Rolling out a flagship social impact programme nationwide to break down barriers and create meaningful cycling opportunities. Launching a new charitable foundation to drive access, inclusion, and participation with Ed Clancy OBE as the Managing Director. Continuing our modernisation of the sport through an innovative major events vision to reach new audiences and engage more people to experience the joy of cycling. Expanding the City Academies and Hubs initiative, which is providing young people – 4,500 since April 2024 - in major urban areas with better access to cycling. Partnering with government, local authorities, and industry to improve cycling infrastructure, stage major events, and increase community engagement. Dutton added, “Through our planned charitable arm, social impact programme and participation initiatives, we will strive to deliver a generational shift in access to cycling. We are ready to drive this change, and we call on partners from across sport, government, and business to join us in making it happen." Chair of British Cycling, Frank Slevin said, “This bold and brave strategy is fully endorsed by the Board of Directors. We are fully supportive of the executive team, and together we seek to build on the significant progress we have made in the recent past. We look forward to supporting and most importantly delivering against our ambition which will see more people experience the joy of cycling and have an unprecedented impact on communities across the country.” Cycling As A Nationwide Solution Whether as sport, for commuting or just for fun, cycling is one of the most effective tools for tackling the UK’s biggest health and economic challenges. It is widely recognised that regular cycling reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, with research reporting by as much as nearly 50% while also significantly improving mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly relevant when considering that only 43% of trips under five miles in towns and cities are made by walking or cycling – a figure British Cycling aims to increase dramatically. In addition, the UK’s cycling industry is worth £7.5 billion annually, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Boosting participation can reduce pressure on the NHS and social care system while stimulating local economies and improving social mobility. Reigning Olympic gold medallist Sophie Capewell added, “Cycling provides so many benefits to society, such as improving physical health and mental well-being. So, it is exciting to see the vision of British Cycling to tackle inequalities so more people can enjoy these benefits throughout their communities. Cycling has brought so much joy to me over the years, and bringing that to everyone is a fantastic prospect.” Shanaze Reade, a world and European medallist, said, "Cycling has given me so much in life, but it’s about more than just sport, it’s a life skill that should be accessible to everyone. Right now, too many children and communities are missing out simply because they don’t have the opportunity." “British Cycling’s new strategy is a game-changer, ensuring that the benefits of cycling, whether for competition, fitness, or everyday travel, are felt by more people than ever before. If we can inspire more people to get on a bike, we’ll not only strengthen our sport but help build a healthier and more active nation." Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth said: “We know that increasing physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to reduce NHS pressures, enhance wellbeing and support our overall health mission. British Cycling’s commitment to making cycling more accessible, particularly for children and disadvantaged communities, will help us towards a healthier and more active Britain." “Breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to ride can help tackle some of the challenges we face, be it reducing childhood obesity to improving the nation’s mental health. As we deliver our Plan for Change, the Government is supportive of this vision, and we look forward to working with British Cycling to make it a reality."

Over the past few years, the UK has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of DIY. Once considered the domain of seasoned handymen or the occasional weekend tinkerer, do-it-yourself projects have now become a national pastime. From home renovations and furniture upcycling to crafting and gardening, Britons are embracing DIY in record numbers, fuelled by a mix of necessity, creativity, and a growing appreciation for hands-on skills. The resurgence of DIY has been driven by several factors, chief among them being the rising cost of professional services. Hiring tradespeople for home improvements has become increasingly expensive, prompting many homeowners to take matters into their own hands. With the wealth of tutorials available online, from step-by-step YouTube guides to home improvement blogs, even those with little prior experience are now able to tackle projects that might have once seemed daunting. Whether it’s painting walls, fitting shelves, or even installing kitchen units, many Britons are discovering that they can achieve professional-looking results with the right tools and a bit of patience. The Covid-19 lockdowns played a major role in accelerating the DIY boom. With people spending more time at home than ever before, attention naturally turned to home improvements. Faced with the prospect of staring at the same four walls for months on end, many sought ways to enhance their living spaces, leading to an explosion in DIY projects. Sales of paint, tools, and home improvement materials soared as people repurposed spare rooms into home offices, revamped tired interiors, and took up new hobbies such as woodworking or upholstery. The temporary closure of non-essential businesses, including tradespeople and decorators, also meant that if something needed fixing or upgrading, homeowners had little choice but to do it themselves. Beyond necessity, there is also a strong sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes with completing a DIY project. In an era where digital work dominates daily life, many people are turning to hands-on activities as a way to disconnect from screens and engage in something tangible. Crafting, woodworking, and home renovation provide a sense of accomplishment that simply cannot be replicated by sending emails or scrolling through social media. The popularity of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok has also played a role in inspiring DIY enthusiasts, with countless home improvement influencers sharing creative ideas, before-and-after transformations, and money-saving hacks. Sustainability is another major factor in the DIY renaissance. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more people are looking for ways to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices. Upcycling and repurposing old furniture have become particularly popular, with many opting to give tired pieces a new lease of life rather than discarding them. Painting, reupholstering, or modifying existing furniture not only saves money but also helps reduce landfill waste. Similarly, the trend for home gardening and self-sufficiency has grown, with many Britons turning to DIY projects such as building raised beds, compost bins, and even chicken coops in an effort to lead more eco-conscious lifestyles. The retail sector has responded to this boom in DIY with enthusiasm. Major home improvement stores such as B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase have reported increased sales, particularly in areas such as home decorating, power tools, and outdoor landscaping. At the same time, smaller independent businesses selling specialist DIY supplies, handmade materials, and upcycling products have also benefited. Online marketplaces such as Etsy and Not On The High Street have seen a rise in people buying craft kits, bespoke homeware, and even DIY courses, catering to the growing demand for handmade and custom items. Despite its many benefits, DIY is not without its challenges. While the availability of online tutorials has made it easier for beginners to attempt home improvement projects, mistakes can still be costly. Poorly executed DIY can lead to further expenses if repairs or professional intervention are needed later on. Certain jobs, such as electrical work and major plumbing projects, still require expertise and should not be undertaken lightly. Additionally, with the rise of DIY, there has been an increase in minor injuries, as people unfamiliar with power tools or heavy lifting attempt ambitious projects without the necessary precautions. Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that Britain’s love affair with DIY will fade any time soon. The skills learned during lockdown, coupled with the ongoing economic climate and the desire for personalised, sustainable home improvements, suggest that DIY will continue to thrive. What was once seen as a chore is now viewed as a rewarding, creative outlet that empowers individuals to transform their homes and express their personal style. Whether it’s sprucing up interiors, repurposing furniture, or learning a new craft, the DIY movement has firmly cemented itself as a defining feature of modern British home life.

Supermarket Aldi is expanding its popular Flake Bake range after the Jamaican patties, created by London-based father and son duo Paul Williams (55) and Mike Williams (34), soared past one million. The pair first impressed Aldi bosses on Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing, securing a life-changing contract to supply 25,000 beef patties to over 1,000 Aldi stores nationwide. Following their success in the ‘Bakery’ episode, Flake Bake has continued to grow, earning national acclaim, and Aldi has been selling the Flake Bake Beef Patties continuously since September 2024. This marked a first for Aldi’s Next Big Thing, as Flake Bake became the first ever winner to return as a regular seasonal product rather than a one-off Specialbuy. Now, the family run bakery is introducing an exciting new addition — the Flake Bake Chicken Patty (£0.99, 140g). Made with tender seasoned chicken, fiery Caribbean spices and Flake Bake’s signature golden-yellow flaky pastry, the new patty is a must-try for fans of bold, authentic flavours. Since appearing on the show, Flake Bake has achieved major milestones including securing a spot in Channel 4’s Black in Business initiative, which supports Black entrepreneurs with TV advertising and mentorship. The business has also catered for the Jamaican High Commission UK, been named in HSBC UK’s ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to Watch’ and won ‘Best Patty’ at the UK Caribbean Food Awards. Mike Williams, Co-Founder of Flake Bake, said: “It has been one year since appearing on Aldi’s Next Big Thing and the journey following the episode has been phenomenal. We’re thrilled to be the first brand from the show to return with a seasonal product and we can’t wait for shoppers to try our new delicious chicken flavour.” Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, added: “It’s incredible to see how far Mike and Paul have come since we met them on Aldi’s Next Big Thing." "Their Flake Bake patties have been a huge success and we’re excited to expand the range with a new flavour this summer — we hope shoppers love them!”

The Government’s proposals to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 must be underpinned by investment in skills development beyond ‘boots on the ground’, with core engineering resources severely lacking expertise, specialist consultancy Engineering by Murray has warned. UK STEM industries, including the defence sector, have been plagued by a shortage of technical engineers for several years, with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers warning recently that the profession could face a workforce crisis similar to that seen in the NHS, if skills and training are not prioritised. As Chris Nelson, Associate Director at specialist recruitment consultancy, Engineering by Murray, comments, a lack of appropriate investment in skills growth will put the plans – and the country’s security – at risk. “The resilience of the UK’s defence sector is increasingly under scrutiny, and while the focus has largely been on the size of the armed forces, it’s not just a ‘boots on the ground’ issue. An equally critical challenge to address is the lack of engineers available to support vital projects, not just in relation to technology and machine maintenance, but also emerging cybersecurity needs." “The UK is home to several globally leading defence employers who are all likely to increase the size of their workforces in the coming years, but currently the specialist talent pool isn’t at the scale needed to support significant growth. Plans were discussed earlier this year to develop a National Engineering and Technology Workforce Strategy, but it’s clear that the defence employment market requires additional and urgent investment before most other sectors." “The increase in defence spending has to be distributed in proportion to the realistic needs of the industry. Without the required technical engineering skills, the armed forces will be ill-equipped, which simply cannot happen." "As the Government maps out its spending plans, we urge them to consider what resources are necessary and, critically, where they will come from at a time of a growing STEM skills crisis.”

Around 20,000 people have signed a petition in support of protecting gluten free prescriptions for people with coeliac disease. Part of a campaign by national charity Coeliac UK, it will be delivered to 10 Downing Street today as part of a day of action in Westminster that will bring together patient representatives, health care professionals and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum. For those diagnosed with coeliac disease, a serious autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK, a strict gluten free diet is the only treatment and a medical necessity. When people with coeliac disease eat gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye - their body attacks its own tissues. If left untreated, it can cause gut damage and serious health complications. Access to gluten free staple foods through NHS prescriptions has been a lifeline to those managing symptoms, preventing long-term health issues. However, recent policy changes in Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England have led to numerous regions withdrawing this critical support at a time when gluten free food is becoming unaffordable for many. A recent Cost of Living Report from Coeliac UK highlights the financial challenges faced by those needing to follow a strict gluten free diet. On average, a loaf of gluten free bread is more than four times as expensive than its gluten containing equivalent, gram for gram. For those on a budget, the disparity is even greater, with the cheapest gluten free loaf costing over six times as much as a gluten containing loaf, gram for gram. Overall, a weekly gluten free food shop can be up to 35% more expensive than a regular shop. The report underscores the financial strain placed on individuals with coeliac disease, particularly those from low-income households. As a result of numerous ICBs in England withdrawing prescriptions, such as Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight, many individuals with coeliac disease now face the challenging reality of being unable to afford the staple gluten free substitutes they need to stay well. The Coeliac UK petition calls upon the UK Government to take immediate action to safeguard access to gluten free staple substitutes via NHS prescriptions by issuing updated guidance to ICBs. In addition, it asks for collaboration with Coeliac UK and healthcare professionals to establish and share best practices for protecting access to gluten free prescriptions. Tristan Humphreys, Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs at Coeliac UK, said: “In recent years, many ICBs have withdrawn this much needed provision, often failing to take meaningful account of public consultations, drawing on flawed evidence and without due regard to impacts on health inequalities. In some cases, they have failed to engage with patients altogether. We cannot stand by while patients with coeliac disease are left without the essential support they need." “Untreated coeliac disease can lead to debilitating symptoms and puts the individual at risk of serious health complications. This is not only devastating for those living with this serious autoimmune condition but bad news for the health service that has to pick up the tab for treating expensive associated conditions as a result." "For people with coeliac disease, access to gluten free bread and flour on prescriptions is a lifeline not a luxury. It is critical in supporting patients to stay well and preventing the cost of ill health down the line.” Dr Hugo Penny, Gastroenterologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield said: “A strict gluten free diet is the only effective treatment for those with coeliac disease. Access to gluten free bread and flour therefore plays a crucial role in keeping my patients well. Unfortunately, I have seen patients without access to support on prescription struggling to afford the staple gluten free substitute foods they need." “Ultimately it will be the least able to afford the additional costs of this medically prescribed diet that are hit hardest. It is for this reason that our local ICB (South Yorkshire) chose to re-instate prescriptions in Sheffield on health equality grounds. I would urge the Government to look to this example and ensure other commissioners follow suit." Also attending the petition hand-in is Kate Powell, from Waterlooville in Hampshire. As a mother to two daughters with coeliac disease, she was directly affected when Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB withdrew gluten free prescriptions in 2024, leading to increasing costs to maintain her two daughters’ diets. Kate said: “Prescriptions were a vital lifeline before they were removed, and we’re now spending on average an extra £10 to £15 on our weekly shop because of it. Anything in the ‘free from’ aisle is really expensive. We’ve tried to cut down on bread but it’s really hard and has a big impact on us as a family. Availability is also an issue, and we’ll typically need to visit two or three shops to get everything we need for the girls.” First degree family relatives of someone with coeliac disease have an increased risk, 1 in 10, of having coeliac disease themselves. This means many households will have more than one family member reliant on access gluten free staple substitutes. Coeliac UK is encouraging people to call on the UK Government to uphold its commitment to health equality and ensure that those with coeliac disease have access to the gluten free staple substitute foods they need to thrive. Tristan added: “This petition hand in marks an important step in making a real difference to the affordability of gluten free food. The reality for too many people across the UK with coeliac disease is that the food that keeps them well is too expensive and hard to access. This is bad news for the NHS that has to treat resultant health complications and devastating for the individuals impacted." "We hope that the UK Government will take notice of our concerns, and those of patients, healthcare professionals, and supportive MPs who recognise the essential role of gluten free staple substitute foods in managing coeliac disease. We welcome the Government's commitment to prevention of ill health and are optimistic that together we can address the postcode lottery of healthy inequity for patients with coeliac disease.”

Waitrose is launching a £500,000 fund to support its British farmers in their transition to net zero emissions. Part of Waitrose’s Farming For Nature programme, the net zero farm fund will finance projects, by farmers and suppliers, that will support the adoption of low carbon farming practices. The new fund will see individual grants made available to British farmers or producers who supply Waitrose. The programme will invite applications to fund projects that will reduce the carbon emissions associated with the products supplied to Waitrose, as well as helping boost resilience to combat the effects of climate change. James Bailey, Executive Director, Waitrose, said: “We know every farm is unique and we want to ensure that our Waitrose Farmers have the support they need to make nature-friendly changes that work for them." “The fund is about giving farmers access to financial backing to invest in sustainable practices that will benefit their farms in the long run and support a rapid reduction in the carbon footprint of the food we eat.” The funding is available for small-scale projects as well as large scale investments. For example, it could go towards rainwater capture tanks and sustainable fertilisers, or for successful applicants to invest in low carbon heating systems and soil friendly machinery. Building on the £1 million investment for Farming for Nature, the new fund is a key step in the programme, which is committed to provide access to affordable finance and provide resources to support their transition to regenerative and low carbon farming. Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at John Lewis Partnership adds: “With our commitment to our UK farming supply base reaching net zero by 2035, it’s key that we work closely with our suppliers and farmers and go on this journey with them, by supporting them to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the products they supply to Waitrose." “We’re proud to work with fantastic British suppliers and farmers and look forward to supporting them through this fund to innovate, scale and deliver the low carbon products our customers want.” Harry Thompson, Waitrose chicken farmer for Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “This is a fantastic announcement from Waitrose. It really highlights the partnership relationship that we have with them; whenever they are backing British farming and supporting my farm, they become more efficient and lower our carbon footprint to support us on our net zero journey. This is important at a time when farmers are having a lot thrown at them; all support is greatly appreciated, and it really strengthens the farm to fork connection." "Ultimately, moves like this are important, that we are collectively going forward with a strong vision as a strong partnership." Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said: “Climate change is a significant threat to agriculture and our broader food system, and reducing emissions from the sector is vital to meeting our net zero commitments. I’m extremely pleased to see new funds, such as Waitrose’s net zero farm fund, support the adoption of low carbon farming practices.” “Funds such as these complement the government’s focus on ensuring farming becomes more profitable and businesses are viable for the future – delivering the long-term food security this country needs while protecting nature’s capacity to provide the stable climate, clean water and healthy soils that make farming possible”. This latest announcement builds on Waitrose’s commitment to achieve net zero across its UK farms by 2035 and its entire supply chain by 2050.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is celebrating four Irish colleagues who have each reached the milestone of 25 years of service at its iconic Grafton Street store. These dedicated individuals embody the heart and soul of M&S, having contributed passion and commitment to the brand for over a quarter-century. M&S recognises the exceptional service of Brenda Burke, Angela Bradley, Gillian Lockhart, and Vivian McSweeney. As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of its staff, M&S is highlighting these long-serving colleagues who have helped deliver excellent quality and value for our customers in Ireland. Steven Cummins, Store Manager, M&S Grafton Street, commented: “The success of M&S Grafton Street is due to the hard work of our incredible store colleagues who consistently go above and beyond for our customers every day. M&S is fortunate to have a loyal and often long-serving workforce, and I’m delighted to acknowledge Brenda, Angela, Gillian, and Vivian for reaching this impressive 25-year milestone.” Brenda Burke Brenda Burke, Senior Sales Advisor at M&S and originally from Finglas, has been with the company for 28 years. Starting her retail career more than 35 years ago at Mirror Mirror, she joined M&S as a manager at the Grafton Street store. A denim expert, Brenda manages stock levels and online orders. She credits her colleagues and managers, particularly floor manager Rebecca and store manager Steven, for their support during challenges. Brenda fondly recalls the camaraderie at M&S, from Christmas parties to staff outings, and values how customer interactions have built her confidence. “The support from my colleagues has been invaluable, and the friendships I’ve made mean everything to me.” Angela Bradley Angela Bradley, originally from Coolock, Dublin, has worked at M&S for over 25 years. Starting as a part-time sales advisor in the food department, she has witnessed many changes, including new store locations and technological advancements like self-service checkouts and “scan and shop.” Angela values the supportive work environment and strong relationships with colleagues and customers, helping her balance family commitments and her passion for marathon running. She finds retail a rewarding career with many growth opportunities. “The connections I’ve built here make this job truly fulfilling.” Gillian Lockhart Gillian Lockhart began her journey with M&S as a part-time sales assistant. Her dedication led her to rise through the ranks to deputy supervisor and now foods section manager at the Grafton Street store. Gillian has played a key role in the company’s growth, even training new staff in Amsterdam for six months. She appreciates the digital advancements that enhance operations and credits the company's perks and supportive colleagues for her tenure. Gillian fondly remembers working on the St. Patrick’s Day parade for two years and encourages newcomers to embrace each day. “Working hard and staying positive can really pay off in retail.” Vivian McSweeney Vivian McSweeney, a Dublin native, brought her experience from convenience retail and a bakery and deli to M&S, starting as a Sales Advisor. Over the years, she has honed her skills across various food sections and now balances a Visual Merchandising role with her food responsibilities. Vivian values the training opportunities M&S provides, allowing her to broaden her knowledge of the food hall. She highlights benefits, flexible hours, and friendships as key reasons for her 25-year tenure. “Every day is different in retail, and that’s what makes it exciting.” “The stories of Brenda, Angela, Gillian, and Vivian show how working in retail can lead to long-term, rewarding careers,” said John Paul McShane, Regional Manager for M&S in Ireland. “Retail offers a dynamic and fulfilling career in a vibrant environment where every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities.”