Day: September 14, 2022

Best before dates, use by dates and sniff test – what do they mean?

Major supermarkets are scrapping best before dates and encouraging shoppers to use the ‘sniff test’ instead, but what do all of these terms really mean?

Penny pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have shared their advice on what the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates are and the importance of the new sniff test.

With some major supermarkets removing the ‘use by’ labels on bottles of milk, shoppers are being encouraged to use the sniff test rather than chucking away expired food which is still safe to eat.

This is causing concern to those who are not aware of the labelling differences and are worried about consuming expired goods.

The change is being brought in by supermarkets in an attempt to tackle food waste following news of further food price increases for everyday essentials like dairy and vegetables.

When an item passes its best before date, it is not necessarily ‘out of date’ so Brits shouldn’t be too worried about this change.

In fact, this date is just a guideline for quality and freshness. It’s typically added by manufacturers and after this date has passed, the ‘best taste’ has gone.

Mitch Barnes, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “With the cost-of-living soaring, selected supermarkets are adapting their product labelling by removing the best before label.

“While it can massively help with food wastage problems, it can be quite confusing to suss out when they need to be used by and how people can tell if a food has gone off at home.

“We’re advising people to check the remaining labels and to use the sniff test at home to save the extra pennies on a weekly food shop bill.”

Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips explaining the importance of different expiry date meanings:

Best before dates

Most labels have the best before dates on the packaging, usually two or three days before the use-by dates – this is usually put on by manufacturers. Once you’ve passed the use-by date, it doesn’t necessarily mean the product is inedible, but it’ll just lack the freshness it once had and it will essentially lose its ‘best taste’.

While they may be lacking in taste and texture, they’re still safe to eat for a limited time and can help to save extra cash during a food shop.

Use by dates

Use by dates are often confused with Best Before dates. The labelled use-by date on a product is a recommended time for how long you should use a product by.

Meat and fish products should not be consumed after the ‘use by’ date as there is a high chance that you’ll get food poisoning if you do. What you can do is freeze the meat before the expiry date for as long as nine months if it’s raw chicken.

Sniff test

This is the system being steadily introduced into supermarkets. If a milk carton was previously labelled as ‘best before 12 Sep 2022’, it’s likely to still have a few days of safe consumption afterwards.

You’ll be able to tell if your milk is off by the foul smell, so make sure to just give it the test instead of spending a fortune buying a fresh carton each time it goes beyond the labelled best before date.

Free drinks or door-to-door transfers on selected 2023 sailings from Rosyth with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests free door-to-door transfers or an all inclusive drinks package on a selection of 2023 itineraries from Rosyth, with sailings starting from £1,099 per person.

Running from 6th September to 31st October inclusive, guests booking a selected cruise of 16-nights of less can enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package, or, for selected cruises of 17-nights or more, guests will benefit from free door-to-door transfers for up to 200 UK mainland miles to the port.

A variety of hand-crafted itineraries are featured in the offer, with chances to experience some of the cultural traditions of Spain and Portugal, witness the midnight sun in rugged and remote Spitsbergen or discover Scandinavia’s Viking heritage.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are really proud of our hand-crafted itineraries, and our Journey Planners curate each cruise specially to make sure we are visiting at the best time of year and exploring beyond the typical tourist trails.

“Whether that’s venturing to see the midnight sun in rugged and remote Spitsbergen, cruising into the heart of the breath-taking Norwegian fjords or experiencing the world-famous Kiel Week Regatta in a scenic sailing to Germany, I am sure there will be a cruise to tempt you.

“We know these added value packages mean a great deal to our guests. With a drinks package, you can relax in one of our bars or lounges with your favourite tipple as you recharge after a day of exploring ashore.

“All of our cruises set sail from a regional UK port, meaning you can enjoy a stress-free check-in, avoiding long queues and delays and with the option of door-to-door transfers included on selected 2023 cruises, our guests can start to relax and enjoy their holiday from the moment they leave their front doors.”

Marquee Bar Gin

Highlights included within this offer are:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2315 ‘German Cities with Kiel Week Regatta’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 22nd June 2023. Prices start from £1,599 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Frederica, Denmark – Kiel, Germany (overnight port) – Warnemünde, Germany – Sassnitz, Germany – Kiel Canal Transit, Germany – Hamburg, Germany (overnight port) – Bremen, Germany – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/maritime-germany-l2315

Balmoral’s17-night L2316 ‘Experience the Traditions of Spain & Portugal’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 2nd July 2023. Prices start from £2,599 per person. Enjoy free door-to-door transfers when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Leixões (for Oporto), Portugal – Málaga, Spain – Cartagena, Spain – Valencia, Spain – Mahon (Menorca), Spain – Cádiz, Spain – Cruise mouth of River Tagus, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Vigo, Spain – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland

For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/spanish-and-portuguese-traditions-l2316

Balmoral’s15-night L2317 ‘Rugged & Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Rosyth (Edinburgh) on 19th July 2023. Prices start from 2,799 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Åndalsnes, Norway – Cruise Nærøysundet, Norway – Cruising Torghatten, Norway – Cruising Seven Sister Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising Trollfjord, Norway – Cruise Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Cruising by Djevelen Tanngard, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Cruise North Cape, Norway – Cruise by Bear Island, Norway – Pyramiden, Norway – Cruise by Nordenskiöldbreen, Norway – Cruising Tempelfjorden, Norway – Longyearbyen, Norway – Sortland, Vesterålen, Norway – Cruising by Black Glacier, Norway – Cruising Nordfjorden, Meloy, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visitwww.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/spitsbergen-with-the-midnight-sun-l2317

Balmoral’s nine-night L2320 ‘Discover Scandinavia’s Viking Heritage’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 16th August 2023. Prices start from £1,399 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Aalborg, Denmark – Cruising Limfjorden, Denmark – Hundsted, Denmark – Cruising by the Olsen Family Home, Norway – Cruising Oslofjord, Norway – Oslo, Norway – Cruising Hidrasund & Strandsfjorden, Norway – Stavanger, Norway – Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland – Cruising by Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle, United Kingdom – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/scandinavias-viking-heritage-l2320

For further information, visit fredolsencruises.com. Book online, call our Reservations team on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent

Accelerating rents push renters towards smaller properties and lower running costs

  • There’s been a jump in demand for one and 2-bed flats as renters feel the cost-of-living squeeze, and fewer renters looking for 2- and 3-bed houses
  • The average rent has increased by £115 per month since last year, reaching £1,051 per calendar month – and accounting for 34.4% of the average income of a single earner
  • Rental growth has accelerated over the last 12 months – from less than 2% in July 2021 to 12.3% today – although there are signs that rental growth is starting to peak at current levels
  • In a reversal of a trend seen during the pandemic, rental growth in urban markets (10.5%) is now outpacing that in rural markets (8.5%) as strong employment growth drives demand in cities
  • There is no real prospect of significantly improved rental supply in the near term as private landlords continue to sell off homes due to tax and regulatory changes and renters decide to stay in their current homes

Renters are being pushed towards smaller properties and lower running costs in the face of higher rents and rising living costs including rising energy prices, according to to Zoopla, the UK’s leading property destination, in its quarterly Rental Market Report. 

Chronic shortage of supply pushes rents higher 

The average rent has increased by £115 per month since last year, reaching £1,051 per calendar month – and accounting for 34.4% of the average income of a single earner. This surge in rents is heavily impacted by a severe supply and demand imbalance with the stock of homes available to rent standing at just half of the five-year average – while the average letting agent currently has just eight homes available to rent.*

This chronic supply shortage is also impacted by an increase in renters staying put in their properties to avoid rent hikes and landlords continuing to sell properties in the face of tax and regulatory changes. Currently, approximately 3 in 4 renters will decide to stay in their current property and although they will experience lower levels of rental growth of 4% or less – this will squeeze supply in the market as a result. 

There’s been an acceleration in demand for one and 2-bed flats as renters feel the cost-of-living squeeze, and fewer renters looking for two and 3-bed houses. Outside of London, the average asking rent is £105 lower per month for a 2-bed flat compared to a 3-bed house. 

Renters making decisions about what type of property to rent will also consider running costs and rising energy prices are likely to be playing a role in the shift in demand to smaller homes. 

When it comes to energy prices, the amount of gas to heat and run a purpose-built flat for a year is 40% lower than a terraced house and 25% lower for a converted flat.** New-build city centre flats are also becoming increasingly appealing to renters seeking out smaller homes with lower running costs.

Annual rental growth nears its peak

Rental growth has accelerated over the last 12 months from an annual rate of less than 2% in July 2021 to 12.3% today, while rental growth is out-pacing earnings growth in all regions and countries of the UK.  Rental growth is ranging from 7.6% in the North East to a staggering 18% in London – however, there are signs that rental growth is close to peaking.

Despite rents in London rebounding from a low base,  the pace of rental growth in London is not sustainable at current levels with average rents in London currently 7.8% higher than pre-pandemic.

In a reversal of a trend seen during the pandemic, rental growth in urban markets (10.5%) is now outpacing that in rural markets (8.5%) as strong employment growth drives demand in cities. 

The strongest performing urban markets are London (17.8%). Manchester (15.5%), Glasgow (14.4%) and Bristol (12.9%) – where rental growth is standing above the UK average of 12.3%. Rents are also rising faster at the top end of the market with asking rents for 2-bed flats rising more quickly at the upper end (top 25%) of the market in comparison to the lower end of the market where demand is more price sensitive.

What’s the outlook for the rental market?

There is no real prospect of significantly improved rental supply in the near term as private landlords continue to sell off homes due to tax and regulatory changes. Renters renewing their tenancies will also amplify the fierce supply squeeze and keep upward pressure on rents into 2023.

There is headroom for some renters to pay more, especially outside London and the South East, however overall, we expect the headline rental growth to slowly taper over Q4 and into 2023. 

Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla comments: “Rents have surged ahead over the last year but there are signs that the pace of growth is peaking and set to slow into 2023. Renters are responding and looking for smaller, better value for money homes to rent with an eye on energy costs as much as rental levels. 

“What the rental market needs to combat these challenges is more new homes for rent. Greater regulation has seen less new investment and a small but growing number of landlords selling up, meaning the rental market has stopped growing since 2016.

“There is a risk that more regulation to improve standards or potential new measures to dampen rental growth, as proposed in Scotland, may compound the supply problem which is pushing rents up in the first place. Policymakers need to tread a careful path between protecting consumers and ensuring a decent supply of homes for rent.”

Hannah Gretton, Lettings Director at LSL’s Your Move and Reeds Rains brands comments: “We are experiencing high levels of demand for rental properties with homes being snapped up within hours of hitting the market.

“With over 270 lettings branches nationwide, it’s a picture that is reflected up and down the country with particular demand in urban areas.

“On average, we are seeing double figures of enquiries per property with a one-bedroom property in Manchester last week receiving over 100 requests to view, highlighting just how busy our branches are and the challenges renters face when it comes to finding an appropriate property.”

Circle’s Values

To ensure that children and families are at the centre of all we do, we create opportunities for families to participate in the development of policies, values, and services.

We believe that to properly support families to find their own solutions, it is necessary to give voice to their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.

We’ve recently involved families in the creation of a new participation strategy for Circle.

This strategy creates a framework that recognises the need to involve families in a meaningful and respectful way in the development of services and policy across the organisation. 

Healthy Heart Tip: Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking Day fell on Tuesday the 13th of September. This day is meant for one thing: to put everything aside and concentrate on all things positive in life (even if we’re a day late! – Ed.).

Positive thinking has many benefits, including keeping your heart healthy by reducing stress. Here we explore ways to ensure you see the bright side and keep a positive attitud e…

Start your day with a positive thought

How do you start your day? Each day tends to continue as it starts i.e., if you get off on the wrong foot, you are likely going to experience more negative things throughout the day.

So, why not try to start the day with positivity to ensure you get started on the right foot? Be proactive and choose the thoughts and messages you want to embed in your mind.

Get outdoors

Ever noticed you feel better once you have been outside?

Nature always gives us positive energy. Spending some time outside will increase your energy, boost your mood and help you work efficiently. If going out isn’t an option, you can always surround your workplace or home with plants.

Always be grateful

If you express gratitude as a consistent part of your life; it forces you to acknowledge all the great things which happen.

The quickest way to turn a negative mindset to a positive one is to practice gratitude. Gratitude can be expressed in writing or verbally, for all of the great things you have in your life.

Positive Thinking Day serves as a reminder that something as simple as having a positive outlook towards life can make us significantly happier.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Gibson Kerr sponsors UK’s largest men’s university sports club

Popular Edinburgh hockey club boosted by sponsorship backing from legal firm

A RENOWNED Scottish law firm is sponsoring Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club (EUMHC) following one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 120-year history.

Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship of EUMHC will help the club with general admin and running costs that are crucial to its continued success.

With a commitment to the development of its players and the aim of encouraging more students to play sport, long-established Gibson Kerr was keen to support the growing club which is now the biggest men’s university sports club in the UK.

Current Sponsorship Secretary of the EUMHC, Ben Wilson, said: “The whole team feel really privileged to receive Gibson Kerr’s sponsorship.

“As a club, we have considerable expenses. We now have four teams training a night and we require good equipment. Last year, we spent a lot of money on balls, bibs, cones and other kit that is crucial for the club and we expect that this year, that outgoing might be even more.

“In addition, we have umpires to pay, goal keeping kit to invest in, more bibs to purchase and with the introduction of our 8th team this year, another training session to fund.

“As you might imagine, we’re absolutely thrilled with the sponsorship from Gibson Kerr. The money will go a long way in helping us pay a massive chunk of our expenses and it will really help take the weight off and provide much needed security.”

The newly Gibson Kerr branded kit made its first appearance at the hockey club’s first game this season at Peffermill Playing Fields on the 11th September following one of its most successful seasons to date.

The club added to its list of growing accolades last year which now includes becoming two-time Scottish League and Scottish Cup champions and four-time British Universities and College Sport champions.

The club was also the first Scottish men’s side to gain promotion to the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier National since the formation of BUCS in 2008.

Ben added: “After such a strong last season, we are hoping to build upon this success next year. At the moment we have 190 members and we are looking forward to another great year ahead as we continue to nurture some of Scotland’s future hockey stars.”

The legal firm has also been invited to meet the club members and present to the teams, sharing some information on Gibson Kerr and the work that they do, as well as joining them for a spot of hockey.

Donald Towsey, solicitor in Gibson Kerr’s property team and keen hockey player, said: “The club plays a huge part of the university’s sporting community and Gibson Kerr are delighted to support it.

“We are also hoping we might be able to inspire some budding lawyers in the team by telling them about the work we do.”

Gibson Kerr dates back more than 100 years and was acquired by Partners Scott and Fiona Rasmusen in 2005. Fiona is Head of Family Law, Partner Lindsay Maclean, who joined the firm in 2007, is Head of Personal Law, and the Property team is headed by Beverley Cottrell.

For more information on Gibson Kerr, visit:  https://www.gibsonkerr.co.uk/

Benefits and credits to be paid early ahead of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral

  • People expecting to receive benefits and credits on Monday 19 September will be paid early
  • Benefits and credits will be paid on Friday 16 September, the last working day before the bank holiday

The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs have put arrangements in place to ensure all benefits and credits due to be paid on this date – now a bank holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral – will be delivered in advance.

People who are due to receive payments on Monday 19 September will instead be paid on Friday 16 September, the last working day before the State Funeral.

This arrangement follows standard DWP and HMRC protocol that sees benefit and credit payment dates brought forward in line with national bank holidays.

Further Information

The full list of payments affected are:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • State Pension
  • Universal Credit
  • Child Benefit/Guardian’s Allowance
  • Working Tax Credits
  • Child Tax Credits

Final farewell: Her Majesty The Queen leaves Scotland for the last time

“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”

Her Majesty The Queen departed Scotland for the last time last night. She will now Lie in State at the Palace of Westminster ahead of Monday’s State Funeral.

People across the country have been paying their respects, attending remembrance events and reflecting fondly on a life of service to Scotland.

Her Majesty’s departure from Edinburgh Airport concludes the ceremonial events programme in Scotland, known as Operation Unicorn, as the nation continues to mourn The Queen’s passing.

Around 33,000 people filed past Her Majesty The Queen’s Coffin, Lying at Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, to pay their respects.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has bid a final and poignant farewell to our much loved Elizabeth, Queen of Scots.

“Over these past few days we have seen just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.

“As anticipated, people from all walks of life gathered across the country and in our capital city to pay tribute to the only Monarch most of us have ever known.

“The scenes on Sunday as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and then yesterday and today as thousands gathered along the Royal Mile and queued to enter St Giles to see the Queen’s Coffin, will forevermore form a very special part of the history of Scotland.

“The sympathy and good wishes of Scotland for The King and Royal Family has also been evident in these last few days, and on behalf of the Parliament and people of Scotland, I continue to offer my heartfelt condolences to all of Her Majesty’s Family.

“I also want to record my sincere thanks to, and admiration for the many public servants who have worked tirelessly in recent days and over many years to develop and, when the time sadly came, implement Operation Unicorn. 

“Thousands across the emergency services, local authorities, armed forces, volunteer networks, transport and government agencies have helped ensure that Scotland paid fitting tribute to The Queen, and that Scots from all walks of life could celebrate the unparalleled contribution She made in her 70-year reign. The events of recent days have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.

“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”

The Princess Royal Princess Anne was Her Majesty The Queen’s constant companion during her last days in Scotland and she accompanied her mother on her final journey south.

In a short statement issued last night, The Princess Royal said:

‘I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.

‘We will all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss.

‘We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch.

‘To my mother, The Queen, thank you.’

The Queen’s cortège arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Sunday afternoon, with The King and members of the Royal Family following on Monday to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys.

They then joined a historic procession up the Royal Mile and a service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where the Queen lay at rest until her final departure for London.

There were also two public Proclamations in Edinburgh on Sunday to announce the Accession of The King.

Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the city to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuned into the broadcast coverage. 

Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, said: “The last four days have marked a significant, historic occasion globally, and it is with immense pride that we look back on Edinburgh’s contribution.

“It’s thanks to the monumental efforts of all those involved that we, along with the public, were able to say a heartfelt farewell to Her Majesty, whose strong connection to the Capital and Scotland was widely known.

“This has been the result of a very detailed and successful planning operation that has been delivered flawlessly by a community of partners and is a shining example of the power of coming together in difficult circumstances.

“I know many will remember this for a lifetime, and we’re honoured to have played such an important role in this moment.”

The public have been invited to take part in a National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy.

The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, the night before the State Funeral, and be marked by a one-minute silence.

The silence can be marked privately at home, with friends and family, out on doorsteps or the street with neighbours, or at locally arranged community events and vigils.

Community groups, clubs and other organisations across the country are encouraged to take part and people overseas are also encouraged to observe the one-minute silence at 8pm local time.

Details of larger-scale public events to be held across the country will be published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii.