Author: News Desk

DWP slammed again after WASPI scandal as 10,000 pensioners urged to check for bungle The Department for Work and Pensions has been criticised for more failures of communication after its much-maligned handling of the WASPI pension changes. In a damning statement, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), Rebecca Hilsenrath, said the department was “failing to learn from its mistakes” as she revealed the case of a pensioner who was not told for eight years about a change to his payments that would leave him £3,000 a year worse off. She urged the more than 10,000 pensioners who were on…

IBM to supply tech for new Emergency Services Network A new communications system for emergency services to share more information in real-time is to be designed and built by tech firm IBM, the Home Office has announced. The scandal-hit project to bring in the Emergency Services Network (ESN), first launched in 2015, was supposed to have replaced the ageing Airwave system for police, fire and ambulance services in England, Scotland and Wales, by 2020. But it has been beset by years of delays and costs running into billions of pounds. It is set to support more than 300,000 emergency responders…

Warning over bill that could change what you talk about in the pub Workers who go for drinks together have been warned about what they talk about in the pub. The equalities regulator has warned of the “complexity” employers might face in deciding whether an overheard conversation in a workplace could amount to harassment. The Government’s Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment at work by third parties. Warning over bill that could change what you talk about in the pub https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ehrc-pub-talk-work-workers-bill-b2679714.html

Starmer’s Chagos deal in the balance ‘as UK to wait for Trump approval before signing’ Britain will await approval from Donald Trump before signing a controversial deal on relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands, it has been revealed. Sir Keir Starmer’s government had reportedly been optimistic about a deal to cede control of the islands to Mauritius, following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), before the US president-elect is inaugurated on 20 January. But officials briefed on the talks told the Financial Times that while “good progress” has been made in the protracted talks with Mauritius, they…

The SMEs shortlisted for the Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards in Ireland. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and today employs 35 people helping firms to decarbonise and providing ESG solutions. Based on the South Mall, in Cork, Climeaction was founded in 2021 by Paul Murphy, below, with the aim of providing specialised energy audits for micro-businesses and SMEs. The firm’s services include consultancy, digital tools, and climate action programmes that are tailored to companies to achieve their sustainability targets and goals. Cork Chamber Company of the Year Awards Climeaction said its approach to companies is a…

Christopher Nkunku stance on Bayern Munich transfer as Chelsea set asking price Chelsea are demanding a £65 million transfer fee from Bayern Munich for Christopher Nkunku, according to reports. Nkunku, who was signed in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig in 2023, has started just three games in the Premier League this season. The French forward has expressed his desire to play more minutes in the Premier League, although Enzo Maresca has repeatedly stressed that he will not upset the balance of his side in order to accommodate his wealth of attacking players. According to The Telegraph and RMC Sport, Bayern…

Erik ten Hag linked with huge job after watching European giants in action Erik ten Hag is waiting in the wings at Borussia Dortmund, having been a ‘frequent guest’ of the club since his dismissal as Manchester United manager. The Dutchman left Old Trafford in October and has visited the German club since, including for Friday’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Sky Germany report that Ten Hag was shown round the ‘business area’ and chatted with technical director Sven Mislintat, the former Arsenal man. The former Manchester United boss enjoys a good relationship with Dortmund chief advisor Matthias Sammer who brought…

Randal Kolo Muani is set to join Juventus on loan (Getty) Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani has turned down interest from Manchester United and Tottenham and will join Juventus on loan, according to reports in France. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe this month having failed to secure a regular role under Luis Enrique at PSG. Kolo Muani, who was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for €75 million (£64.2m) plus €15m (£12.2m) in add-ons in 2023, has started just two games in Ligue 1 this season. Manchester United and Tottenham have both expressed an interest…

Luca Brecel is confident good results will come again when he works for them (Picture: Getty Images) Luca Brecel has had a difficult 18 months on the table since his Crucible glory, but isn’t worried, saying: ‘If I am not playing well, it is because I am not trying really hard to play well.’ The Belgian Bullet turned in one of the great World Championship performances to lift the title in Sheffield in 2023, beating the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams on his way to the final where he downed Mark Selby. It was stunning stuff but…

Pep Guardiola had a heated discussion with Stefan Ortega after Manchester City’s draw vs Brentford (Reuters) Pep Guardiola has denied suggestions that he was berating Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on Tuesday night. City appeared to be on course for their third straight win in the Premier League for the first time since October following two second-half goals from Phil Foden. However, a late collapse from the Premier League champions saw Yoane Wissa score to give Brentford a lifeline before Christian Norgaard scored the equaliser in the second minute of injury time.…