Author: Sam Allcock

Global Unions Address Workforce and Security Challenges Amid Nuclear Renaissance The International Nuclear Workers’ Union Network (INWUN), coordinated by IndustriALL Global Union, convened in Tokyo, Japan, on 25 March to assess the evolving nuclear sector and reinforce the role of trade unions in ensuring a just and secure energy transition. Nuclear Energy’s Growing Role in Decarbonisation As geopolitical instability and energy transitions accelerate, nuclear power is witnessing renewed interest worldwide. Despite the increasing adoption of renewable sources, fossil fuels still dominate global energy production. However, a mid-March pledge from a cross-industry coalition—including major technology firms, financial institutions, and 31 countries—aims…

Mealtimes with a baby can be unpredictable one moment, a delighted giggle, the next, a spoonful of food flung across the room. But what if those frowns and puzzled expressions weren’t signs of dislike but rather curiosity? A recent study by Heinz reveals that nearly half (45%) of UK parents struggle to interpret their baby’s mealtime cues, making feeding time more stressful than enjoyable. Additionally, 48% of parents admit they would find mealtimes far more rewarding if they could better understand their baby’s reactions. Understanding Baby Cues with Expert Insight To support parents in navigating mealtimes with confidence, Heinz has…

Cruise Expert Shares Insights on Quieter Voyage Options As demand for cruise holidays surges, many travellers are seeking more peaceful and intimate experiences at sea. Cruise expert Mark Barton, in collaboration with Avanti Travel Insurance, has unveiled key strategies for avoiding bustling crowds and securing a serene voyage. With the cruise industry projected to reach record passenger numbers in 2025, Barton advises travellers to be selective with their routes and timing. Why Avoiding Maiden Voyages Matters Barton emphasises that inaugural sailings of new ships are among the busiest, as their novelty draws large crowds. “People love the smell of fresh…

1.8 Million Universal Credit Recipients Receive No Employment Support The number of people on Universal Credit deemed unfit for work has surged to 1.8 million, a near fourfold increase since the pandemic. New figures highlight significant concerns over the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which critics say pushes individuals out of the workforce and into long-term inactivity. Alarming Growth in Limited Capability for Work Cases Government data released on 13 March reveals that the number of individuals categorised as having Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) has risen from 360,000 pre-pandemic to 1.8 million—a 383% increase. In the past year alone,…

Shining a Light on Mangrove Forests and Their Crucial Role in Conservation This World Forest Day (21st March 2025), the focus is often on vast rainforests, but mangrove forests—despite their critical role in our ecosystems tend to be overlooked. These remarkable coastal forests act as nature’s frontline defence against climate change while supporting biodiversity and protecting coastal communities. However, their rapid decline poses a severe threat to both the environment and human livelihoods. Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Guardians Mangroves thrive at the intersection of land and sea, offering invaluable ecosystem services. They serve as natural storm barriers, reducing the impact of…

In a significant move to tackle the backlog of driving tests, the UK government has announced a stricter cancellation policy aimed at reducing last-minute changes and making more test slots available. From 8 April 2025, learner drivers will be required to provide at least 10 full working days’ notice if they wish to reschedule or cancel their driving test without losing their fee. This extends the current three-day notice period, a change designed to ensure better test preparedness while reducing the number of wasted slots. Addressing the Driving Test Backlog The new policy forms part of the government’s 7-point strategy…

The Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International has introduced new MES/MOM Refresher Programmes as part of the MESA Global Education Programme. These advanced courses are tailored to help manufacturing professionals stay up to date with the latest developments in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM). By equipping participants with refreshed industry knowledge and best practices, the programme aims to enhance operational efficiency and innovation in smart manufacturing. Addressing the Need for Continuous Learning In an era of rapid technological advancements, manufacturing professionals must continuously update their skills to maintain a competitive edge. MESA’s refresher programmes cater to…

The Ultimate Mobile Gaming Tournament is Back The Candy Crush All Stars 2025 tournament is set to make a spectacular return, bringing together players from across the globe to compete for the prestigious title and a share of the $1 million prize pool. This year’s tournament kicks off on March 20, 2025, following the massive success of last year’s event, where over 15 million participants battled their way to the top. Players will have the chance to prove their skills in an intense multi-stage competition, featuring qualifying rounds, knockout stages, and second-chance opportunities. The top 10 finalists will earn a…

Billo, a leading user-generated content (UGC) platform in the United States, is broadening its global reach by launching its creator network in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This strategic expansion provides brands with access to a diverse and highly skilled talent pool, enabling them to produce engaging, localized video content that resonates with their specific target audiences. Since its inception, Billo has helped brands create over 200,000 high-quality UGC videos, distributed $8.3 million in payments to creators, and collaborated with 22,000 businesses. By expanding into these new markets, Billo continues its mission of strengthening the creator economy while making…

Tighter Visa Rules Could Cripple Healthcare and Other Key Sectors British businesses and immigration experts are raising concerns over the UK’s restrictive immigration policies, warning that they are making the country less attractive to skilled foreign workers. Particularly in the healthcare sector, new visa restrictions and rising costs are discouraging overseas professionals from coming to the UK, which could have severe economic and social consequences. Stricter Rules Are Driving Workers Away Under both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour administration, policies designed to curb immigration have made it significantly harder for skilled workers to enter and remain in…