Workplace expert, Acas, has published new advice on neurodiversity to help employers create inclusive organisations and raise awareness at work.
Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains behave and process information. Some well-known types of neurodiversity include ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia:
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and affects people’s behaviour;
Autism is sometimes called a spectrum condition and affects how people communicate and interact with the world;
Dyslexia mostly affects reading and writing skills and is sometimes referred to as a learning difficulty; and
Dyspraxia affects movement and co-ordination
A lot of neurodivergent people do not see themselves as disabled but will often be considered as having a disability under the Equality Act.
Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Employees may not want to tell people that they are neurodiverse or may mask their condition due to concerns about a negative reaction at work.
“Bosses also need be aware that the strengths and challenges that come with a neurodiverse condition may not be the same for everyone.
“Our new advice has tips for employers on how to raise awareness, be inclusive, sensitive and stay within the law when managing neurodiversity at work.”
The Equality Act gives disabled employees protection against discrimination and the right to reasonable adjustments at work. A reasonable adjustment is a change that an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability.
Acas ran its own poll on neurodiversity with 1650 line managers in November last year. It asked about the barriers to making a reasonable adjustment for neurodiverse employees. The barriers identified by respondents included:
Over seven out of ten (72%) said employees not disclosing the need for a reasonable adjustment;
Lack of organisational knowledge about neurodiversity was reported by 45%; and
39% said it was due to line managers finding it difficult to have the conversation.
Acas advice is that employers should make their organisation more inclusive so that staff feel comfortable sharing and talking about neurodiversity.
Raising awareness can help normalise it, which can help ensure employees get the support they need. Being inclusive can help:
improve staff wellbeing;
reduce absence levels and employee turnover;
attract employees with a wider range of skills and experience; and
reduce the risk of disputes and legal claims on discrimination.
Acas has some top tips for employers on raising awareness of neurodiversity at work such as:
include it in their organisation’s mandatory training;
run awareness days and campaigns;
encourage senior employees to act as role models;
set up a staff network for neurodiversity; and
cover the topic in induction materials.
Acas’s full advice has information about various different types of neurodiversity, their common traits, how the Equality Act 2010 applies to neurodiverse employees, how to support people, raise awareness and approach it sensitively at work:
Did you know reusing everyday items can save money, reduce waste and help tackle climate change? Here are some easy tips to try today:
• Glass Jars: Perfect for storage, candle holders, or even flower vases. • Old Clothes: Turn them into cleaning rags, pet bedding, or fun tote bags. • Tin Cans: Make herb planters, pencil holders, or night lights. • Plastic Containers: Great for leftovers, organising toys, or planting seeds.
Below is a list of 10 tips from heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk on how to reduce your gas consumption and keep those winter energy costs in check.
Read on for everything you need to know…
1. Unleash the Power of Insulation
Let’s begin with the foundation: insulation. A well-insulated home is like a cosy cocoon, retaining the precious heat and preventing those hard-earned pounds from escaping through the roof and walls.
Below is a list of ways to insulate your home:
Loft Insulation – The humble loft is often a major culprit in heat loss. Ensure you have sufficient loft insulation. The recommended depth for most homes is around 270mm. If your loft insulation is looking a little thin or patchy, consider topping it up.
Wall Insulation – Cavity wall insulation is a fantastic way to significantly reduce heat loss through your walls. This involves injecting insulating material into the hollow spaces between the two layers of brickwork.
Draught-Proofing – Those pesky draughts can sneak in through even the smallest gaps. Conduct a thorough draught-proofing inspection around your windows and doors. Look out for gaps around the frames, letterboxes, and keyholes. Employ a variety of draught-proofing methods, such as the following: Draught Excluders, which are soft, tubular devices that can be placed under doors to prevent the cold air from seeping in. Weather Stripping is a self-adhesive tape that can be applied to window and door frames to seal gaps. Window Film is a transparent film that can be applied to single-glazed windows to reduce heat loss.
2. Master Your Heating Controls
Your thermostat is paramount in tackling high gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:
Temperature Tweaks – Lowering your thermostat temperature by even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. Aim for a comfortable temperature of around 18 – 20 degrees Celsius.
Embrace Smart Thermostats – Consider investing in a smart thermostat. These nifty devices can learn your heating habits, automatically adjust temperatures when you’re out or asleep, and can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
Timer Tactics – Utilise your thermostat’s timer function to schedule your heating to come on only when you need it. For example, you could set it to warm up the house an hour before you wake up and turn it down again when you leave for work.
3. Embrace The Cosy
Sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Take a look at the tips below:
Layer Up – Ditch the t-shirts and embrace the power of layering. Put on some cosy socks and jumpers, and snuggle yourself up in a blanket. You might be surprised just how much warmer you feel without having to crank up the thermostat.
Hot Water Bottles – These are a classic for a good reason! A hot water bottle can provide comforting warmth on chilly evenings, especially when curled up on the sofa.
4. Heating Hacks
Below are some heating hacks that can help make your home warmer while saving you money on your gas bills:
Bleeding Radiators – Imagine your radiator as a water-filled pipe. If air becomes trapped inside, this prevents water from circulating properly, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating. Bleeding your radiators regularly allows you to release this trapped air, ensuring that your radiators heat up evenly and efficiently.
How to Bleed a Radiator
Take the steps below to successfully bleed your radiator:
Run your hand over the radiator and check if it is cold at the top or the bottom. If the top of the radiator is cold, this means that there is air trapped inside and that the radiator needs to be bled.
Start by turning off your central heating system.
Then, place a rag or old piece of cloth underneath the valve so that you can catch any water that may start to drip out while you are bleeding the radiator.
Use your radiator key and turn it anti-clockwise by roughly a quarter of a turn. It should start to hiss. Leave it open until the air stops coming out and water starts running out of the valve.
As soon as water starts coming out of the valve, turn the radiator key to the off position again.
Bleed any other radiators that need to be bled while your central heating system is still off.
Check your boiler pressure.
You can then turn your central heating system back on and the issue should now be resolved.
Radiator Reflectors – Radiators emit heat in all directions, including towards the wall behind them. This heat is then absorbed by the wall, effectively wasting energy. Radiator reflectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They are typically made of reflective foil and are placed behind radiators to direct the heat back into the room. This simple hack can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your radiators and make a noticeable difference in the temperature in your home.
5. Kitchen and Bathroom Tips
There are several things you can do in the kitchen and bathroom to help lower your gas bills. Take a look at the list below:
Shower Power
Embrace the “Eco” Setting – Many modern showers have an “eco” setting that reduces the water flow. Even a slight reduction in water flow can significantly lower your energy consumption.
Timing is Key – Aim for shorter showers. Every minute counts when it comes to reducing water and energy usage. Consider setting a timer to keep track of your shower times.
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead – Investing in a low-flow showerhead can significantly reduce your water usage without compromising your showering experience. These showerheads are designed to deliver a powerful spray while using less water.
Lids on Pots
Boiling Point Breakthrough – Using a lid when you are boiling water or cooking using the hob creates a much more efficient and faster cooking process. The lid helps trap the heat within the pot, allowing the water to boil much quicker, and this helps to reduce cooking times.
Energy Savings – By reducing your cooking times, you are using less energy from your hob. This not only saves you money on your gas bill, but it also helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
6. Government Schemes and Support
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
An EPC is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, rating it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
The EPC highlights areas where your home is losing heat, such as poorly insulated walls or a draughty loft. By understanding your home’s energy performance, you can identify areas for improvement and prioritise energy-saving measures.
Government Grants and Schemes
The UK government offers various grants and schemes to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – This scheme provides financial support for homeowners and landlords to replace old gas boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives such as heat pumps.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme – This scheme helps low-income and vulnerable households improve their energy efficiency through certain measures such as insulation and boiler upgrades.
Local Authority Grants – Local councils may offer grants or funding for energy efficiency improvements within their area.
It is very important to research and explore the available schemes to see if you are eligible and how you can benefit from them.
7. Washing Machine and Dishwasher Efficiency
Take Advantage of Full Loads – Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to operate most efficiently when fully loaded. Running half-empty loads wastes both water and energy.
Utilise Eco Modes – Most modern washing machines and dishwashers offer an eco or energy-saving mode. These modes use less water and energy while still achieving an effective cleaning result.
Wash at Lower Temperatures – Washing your clothes at lower temperatures (30 or 40 degrees Celsius) can significantly reduce the energy consumption. Modern detergents are highly effective at lower temperatures.
Air Dry Dishes – If possible, air dry your dishes instead of using a heated dry cycle in the dishwasher.
8. Switch Suppliers
The energy market in the UK is highly competitive. Energy suppliers are constantly adjusting their tariffs to attract new customers. Regularly comparing energy tariffs from different suppliers is essential. Consider using price comparison websites and energy-switching tools to easily compare tariffs from various suppliers.
When comparing tariffs, consider your annual energy usage. Some tariffs are better suited for high-usage households, while others are more cost-effective for low-usage households.
Be aware of any exit fees associated with your current energy contract. The switching process is generally quite straightforward. Your new supplier will handle the transfer of your energy supply from your old supplier.
1. Energy-Efficient Appliances
Consider your choices of appliances and how they are affecting your gas bills. Take a look at the tips below:
High-Efficiency Boilers – Consider upgrading your old boiler to a more efficient model, such as a condensing boiler. Modern boilers are designed to extract more heat from the fuel, resulting in significant energy savings.
Regular Boiler Servicing – Regular boiler servicing ensures your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. A well-maintained boiler will use much less gas to heat your home.
Check for Boiler Issues – If you suspect your boiler is not functioning correctly (for example, it is taking longer to heat up or is producing unusual noises), call a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair any issues.
2. Mindful Habits
It is important to be mindful if you want to save on your gas bills. Consider the following tips:
Using Sunlight
Embrace Natural Light – Open your curtains and blinds during the day to allow the natural sunlight to warm your home. Utilise the sun’s warmth to help heat your home during the day, reducing your reliance on artificial heating.
Maximise Daylight – Position the furniture in your home strategically to make the most of the natural sunlight.
Use The Curtains
Prevent Heat Loss – Close the curtains and blinds at night to prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
Reduce Draughts – Curtains can also help to reduce draughts around windows, further improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Consider Thick Curtains – Invest in thick, lined curtains for added insulation.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your gas consumption and keep your home cosy this winter without breaking the bank. It’s important to remember to be patient. Making significant improvements to your home’s energy efficiency may take time and investment. However, the long-term savings on your gas bills will be well worth it.
Consider consulting a qualified assessor who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t implement all of these tips at once. Start with a few small changes and gradually work your way through the list. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!
We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to stay warm and save money this winter!
MATTHEW JENKINS
Matthew Jenkins has worked as a self-employed tradesman in the domestic heating industry for over fifteen years. Matthew is a gas-safe engineer specialising in heating and plumbing.
He also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert knowledge to homeowners and tradespeople and has been featured in a range of established news outlets.
A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, which runs one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison services, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’, and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.
Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”
With colder temperatures seemingly here to stay, many of us are thinking about our boilers more. Checking your boiler and central heating system are functioning properly and efficiently is crucial, as we rely on them to keep us warm over the winter.
But how confident and comfortable are you checking the health of your boiler and central heating system? This was just one of the questions British Gas asked 1,000 boiler owners across Britain to discover the nation’s levels of knowledge, confidence and understanding of boiler-related issues. Of those surveyed, more than half of Scots (51.9%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
The full survey explored everything from how many cold showers people would endure before calling a gas engineer for help to how confident they would be bleeding their radiators.
British Gas also offers expert advice on how to check your boiler’s health, as well as how to maintain a healthy boiler throughout the year, which you can find below.
Key Findings:
More than half of Scots surveyed (52%) don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
42% of Scots find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’.
Almost 3 in 10 of Scots ‘never think about their boiler’
46% of Scots would endure at least one cold shower before calling in a boiler expert.
More than half of Scots unsure how to check the health of their boiler
It is obvious from the survey that there are some confidence and knowledge gaps across the country when it comes to boilers. More than half (52%) of survey respondents admitted they don’t know how to check the health of their boiler.
Do you know how to check the health of your boiler?
Percentage of responses (Scotland)
No, I do not know how to check
51.9%
Yes, I check once per year
18.5%
Yes, I check it once per month
22.2%
Yes, but I never check it
7.4%
On top of this, more than two in five (42%) find boiler issues ‘stressful’ or ‘intimidating’, while over 28% of the Scottish public answered that they never think about boiler issues. That’s in comparison to only 30% that feel confident solving problems.
How do you feel about solving boiler-related issues
Percentage of responses (Scotland)
I find it stressful and intimidating
42.0%
I never think about it
28.4%
I feel confident
29.6%
How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?
To find out how long people are willing to ignore their malfunctioning boiler before calling for help, British Gas asked how many cold showers they would endure before seeking repair works.
Although the majority of Scots would not stand the thought of a single cold shower before picking up the phone to an engineer, there were some staggering findings to the contrary. 46% would endure at least one icy shower, with 1.2% answering they wouldn’t mind 10 or more before calling out for repairs.
How many cold showers would you endure before seeking emergency repair works?
Percentage of responses (Scotland)
Wouldn’t endure a single cold shower
54.3%
Would endure one or more cold showers
45.6%
Would endure two or more cold showers
14.7%
Would endure three or more cold showers.
6.1%
Would endure ten or more cold showers
1.2%
Expert commentary on boiler health from Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas:
How can I check the health of my boiler?
With over 50% of people not understanding how to check their boiler’s health, it can feel puzzling sometimes. If you’re one of those people who aren’t too sure, you can do simple things like turning the heating on and checking radiators to ensure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been turned on recently.
Bleeding your radiators is another simple task you could carry out to ensure your home heating system is functioning as it should. If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, this could be something to try. To do this, turn off your heating, let your radiators go cold and then bleed them with a bleed key and cloth.
Remember that if your boiler does stop working, you can book a one-off emergency repair with British Gas before 11 am and they’ll be there the same day*
*Based on 2024 performance data, 80% of customers contacting by 11am received the same day service.
How often should I check my boiler?
While you don’t have to be an expert to check if your boiler’s working properly, there are lots of simple things you can do. Turn the heating on and feel the radiators to make sure the system is working properly – especially if it hasn’t been used in a while.
And when it comes to servicing, once a year is the right amount. We recommend that your boiler is serviced once a year, but if you want a more in-depth assessment by a professional who will make sure it’s all in working order, book a boiler service when you need it.
Whether you choose to do this in the summer, winter or at any time of year, annual servicing can prevent any unwanted breakages or faults before they happen.
What should I do if my boiler is making noise?
With over 12,000 searches a month across the UK for queries relating to boiler sounds, this is certainly something people worry about. While it can be a little concerning, don’t panic. Boilers make sounds, even when they’re switched on and being used. If you’re hearing a specific sound – banging, vibrating, whistling or any other noise – this may be a clue to what is going on inside your boiler.
Vibrating sounds coming from your boiler? With over 2,740 searches a month, steady and continuous noises can be common and may indicate loose brackets that need tightening or trapped air. If uncertain where it’s coming from, get an engineer to scan the source and diagnose any faults.
Mechanical sounds like banging, knocking and clunking are also a common concern, with over 2,200 searches a month. This can signal a faulty part inside a boiler or even a problem with the heat exchanger. It’s best to address these issues promptly so that you can put your mind to rest.
Since your boiler pumps a lot of water through the pipes in your house, hearing water and liquid sounds coming from the unit can be normal.
If you’re hearing something out of the blue or extremely loud, then it may be time to double-check that everything’s working okay. It’s important to remember that boilers will have automatic switches and safety mechanisms that turn the boiler off before it is dangerous. If this happens, get in a professional engineer to safely get your boiler working again.
Always book a gas safe engineer if you are not sure what’s wrong.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Alcohol can often be at the forefront of the festive season. This time of year, is for gathering and celebrating with your loved ones, which can often mean consuming too much alcohol.
Over 60% of drinkers in the UK over-indulge during the festive period, consuming more alcohol than usual and having their first drink at an earlier time of day. Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the heart and a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day, making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.
In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy.
Alcohol-free drinks
With so many alcohol-free alternatives of your favourite big-name brands now available, why not use Christmas as a time to try them out?
You may need to try a few to find one that you like, but often they taste very similar to their alcoholic counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.
Mocktails
Mocktails or cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Bars and restaurants often have a wide range of mocktails for you to choose from, and they’re usually cheaper too.
Be mindful when choosing your drink of how much sugar is in it, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices. Instead, opt for ones containing ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water. A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home.
Enjoy alcohol in moderation
To look after our heart, we don’t have to stop drinking completely. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits alongside this.
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days which is the equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.
By not exceeding these recommendations, you may feel more able to be physically active and cook healthier meals.
Festive workers, including those on short-term contracts, are being urged to check their pay to make sure they aren’t missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Seasonal staff and students employed over the Christmas period are legally entitled to receive at least the same minimum rates as other workers.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay, and to look out for unpaid working time – such as time spent cleaning and closing premises, training, or picking up extra hours.
Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates.
“No matter how long you’ve been employed for, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This includes temporary seasonal staff working in shops, hotels, garden centres, Christmas markets, restaurants and warehouses.
“Always make sure that you check your pay and look out for any deductions, or unpaid working time that could take you below the minimum wage.
“If you think you’ve been short changed, even if you no longer work for that employer, we’re here to help. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘check your pay’ to find all the information you need about wage rates, and how to report your employer if they’re not paying you correctly.”
The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
£11.44 – Age 21 and over (National Living Wage)
£8.60 – Age 18 to 20
£6.40 – Age under 18
£6.40 – Apprentice
Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It takes around 10 minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended.
To speak with someone, raise a concern or get further information, phone the Acas Pay and Work Rights helpline on 0300 123 1100 for confidential, free advice (Monday to Friday*, 8am to 6pm).– *Except Bank Holidays.
Employers can also access support at any time to ensure they are paying their workers correctly:
view the online employers’ guide on calculating the minimum wage
Rest and get plenty of sleep
Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol