Dolly Parton’s Christmas Carol, Southbank Centre review: Catchy new tunes in touching show December 15, 2022 As a title, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol doesn’t give away much. It inevitably conjures images of Parton herself: her widely permed hair and even wider smile, an image as familiar and iconic as the Coca-Cola sign. Eavesdropping on conversationsn in the foyer of the Southbank Centre, it was clear that audiences hadn’t got [...]
No10 confirms strike-busting bill paused as ministers look to broaden scope December 15, 2022 No10 has confirmed that its bill on guaranteeing minimum service levels during strike days is being paused as ministers look to broaden its scope. “Essentially we’ve paused that bill and are looking at adding additional measures to it to widen its scope,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. “We haven’t set out exactly the scope of [...]
Unexpected little treats and gifts – Make luxury your own with Needi. December 15, 2022 Our carefully curated and lovingly packed gift hampers are bursting with tempting treats and little delights you or your lucky recipient are guaranteed to love. Our experts will curate a gift guide especially for you, with over 3,000 handpicked products from our finest local, sustainable and independent businesses. Whether it’s for Christmas, wellness, birthdays, clients or [...]
Hunt considers extending energy support for all businesses past March December 15, 2022 Jeremy Hunt is considering proposals to extend energy support for all businesses past March, instead of targeting a package at “vulnerable” industries. The chancellor may scrap his plan to target certain industries from April due to difficulties in getting information on sector-by-sector energy usage. The Financial Times reports that another universal support package would be [...]
Ed Warner: Bullingham must own England manager decision if it comes December 15, 2022 “The FA should only look at English managers if Gareth Southgate steps down.” “No, the FA should be prepared to hire a foreign coach.” Discuss ad nauseam. Now imagine you are Mark Bullingham, the Football Association’s chief executive, possibly (but not certainly) about to have to make an appointment whose success or failure would stand [...]
Rail strikes: Minister Huw Merriman to hold talks with RMT and train operators December 14, 2022 Rail minister Huw Merriman is set to hold the latest round of talks with the union RMT and train operators after this week’s strike brought the UK to a standstill. Merriman will meet with union bosses as well as with train companies and Network Rail tomorrow in an eleventh-hour attempt to solve the rail dispute [...]
Union boss says posties to work with business rather than just strike December 14, 2022 Trade union baron Dave Ward has said posties will need to adopt a more business focused approach to industrial action in the new year, expanding action beyond just strikes. The man behind both the Royal Mail and Post Office strikes said the Communication Workers Union (CWU) was currently “weighing up other ways we can put [...]
Hard-hit cinemas bank on Avatar December 14, 2022 Analysts have warned against cinema chains pinning too much hope on upcoming blockbusters like Avatar sequel, which is due to drop this week. Although Imax’s chief exec said the James Cameron’s sci-fi movie had “one of the highest pre-sale levels we’ve ever seen”, big screens may need to do more to turn the tide – [...]
It’s beginning to look a lot like chaos: Rail strikes hit London as businesses shed Christmas bookings December 14, 2022 Parts of London resembled a ghost town yesterday as rail workers kicked off the first of several days of strikes. Bars in the capital warned they are haemorrhaging tens of thousands of pounds in lost bookings due to mass walkouts deterring commuters, raising the threat of businesses missing out on their third ever-critical golden quarter [...]
Amazon and eBay: 10 out of 12 Christmas lights sold are a fire hazard December 14, 2022 Testing by consumer group, Which? revealed that 10 out of 12 Christmas lights sold on Amazon do not meet UK electrical equipment safety regulations. The consumer group tested under £15 Christmas lights sold on both eBay and Amazon, finding that most of them are dangerous for household use, and may cause a fire. Responding to [...]