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How to get a good night’s sleep

WHY SLEEP MATTERS

GETTING regular sleep can be the key to having stronger bones and healthier joints, a leading expert has said.

Dr Taher Mahmud, a consultant rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says people often underestimate the importance of sleep in maintaining bone health.

He said: “I treat hundreds of patients each year suffering with bone or joint issues, and there is always one area they commonly overlook – sleep. Many of us sacrifice sleep in favour of productivity, but the truth is that getting enough rest can profoundly affect our overall well-being.

“While many people focus on diet and exercise as part of their health routine, sleep is equally crucial, and it plays a pivotal role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

“It also plays a critical role in factors as wide ranging as a healthy immune system to weight loss.

“Quality sleep is not just beneficial—it’s essential for those managing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis and plays a significant role in their prevention.”

Six health benefits of sleep

Enhanced Cognitive Function

One of the most important benefits of sleep is its impact on cognitive function. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes information from the day. This leads to improved learning, problem-solving skills, and overall mental clarity. Without enough sleep, your cognitive abilities can become impaired, affecting your performance at work or school.

Boosted Immune System

Sleep plays a vital role in supporting your immune system. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, a type of protein that helps fight infection and inflammation. Getting enough rest can help your body defend against illnesses such as the common cold and flu. On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to getting sick.

Weight Management

Believe it or not, sleep also plays a role in weight management. Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones that control appetite, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, sleep deprivation can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. By prioritising sleep, you can support your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Emotional well-being

Sleep has a significant impact on emotional well-being. When you are well-rested, you are better equipped to handle stress and regulate your emotions. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Getting enough rest can improve your mood, increase your resilience to stress, and enhance your overall emotional health.

Combating Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, characterised by weakened bones, can be influenced by sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality and duration can increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can negatively impact bone density. Additionally, insufficient sleep can impair the body’s ability to repair and build bone tissue, exacerbating the risk of fractures.

Helping to manage the pain of arthritis

Sleep is crucial for managing pain and inflammation for those with arthritis. Poor sleep can heighten the perception of pain and lower pain thresholds, making arthritis symptoms more severe. Moreover, a lack of restorative sleep can lead to increased fatigue, reducing the ability to manage daily activities effectively.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep

We all know sleep is important, but for many the problem is how to get better sleep. But instead of worrying about a lack of sleep, Dr Mahmud has practical tips for better sleep which can be incorporated into a daily routine.

Establish a Routine. A sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help regulate your internal clock allowing you a structured sleep and making sleep a habit to which your body responds.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment. Light is the most important factor affecting sleep. It plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. It is also worth investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Limit screen time. The blue light emitted from electronic devices suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, the hormone which makes us feel drowsy. For better sleep, avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
Mind Your Diet: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime. Even six hours before you go to bed, caffeine can have a negative impact on your sleep.
Consciously wind down: Winding down before you get into bed can help you sleep and help you avoid tossing and turning as you try to drift off. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed.

Diners unaware of rip-off charges with food delivery apps

Confused customers unaware of huge price increases on popular services

TRUSTING diners are being hit by hidden costs when using food delivery apps – with almost half totally unaware of the additional charges they are racking up.

New research commissioned by hospitality technology firm Grafterr, has revealed that 43% of restaurant customers don’t know they’re paying substantially more when ordering their favourite takeaway on popular delivery apps.

Now the firm has revealed the full extent of its research with 2000 restaurant customers, while also sharing a series of tips for those keen to avoid the worst fees.

Andrew Gibbon, Chief Operating Officer of restaurant technology specialist Grafterr, which commissioned the research, said: “Online food aggregators continue to be the most popular method of ordering a delivery across the UK.

“Yet these findings show there is a huge gap in consumer awareness of the costs increases.

“We believe it is vital for customers to understand that they are always paying more to have food delivered than they would if they were dining in at the same venue.”

He also outlines some shocking examples from the High Street, where customers can end up paying 90% more than they need to when having meals delivered via apps.

Examples include the popular Big Mac meal from fast food giant McDonalds. In-store diners will pay £5.69 for a medium meal, but when ordering the same meal via Deliveroo, it’ll cost £9.58 – a 68% increase.

However, the additional charges don’t end there, because customers will still have to pay extra delivery charges, taking the cost of the Big Mac meal to £11.07, meaning the total amount paid is almost doubled (+95%).

Customers of Five Guys also face hefty fees for deliveries. A Bacon Cheeseburger in-store will cost £12.15, but to get the same item delivered can cost up to £16.29, a 34% increase.

Grafterr found the hidden fees for the Five Guys burger also vary according to the delivery app used:

Deliveroo: £14.80 (£16.29 inc delivery)
UberEats: £14.98 (£15.22 inc delivery)
JustEat: £12.95 (£14.24 inc delivery)

Despite the scale of the extra fees being imposed on customers, the survey found that most diners (75%) actually expect to pay LESS when ordering a delivery compared to dining in the same restaurant.

Andrew from Grafterr added: “Despite what customers expect, businesses continually price their online menus higher than their in-store equivalent to help absorb commissions charged by the delivery platforms.

“This is before additional platform fees, service fees and delivery costs are charged to the consumer, all of which can increase your bill by up to 90% in some instances.”

Consumers are not the only ones concerned about rising costs driven by these platforms. With commission rates reaching up to 30%, hospitality venues are finding it increasingly more difficult to deliver savings to their customers.

In 2023, KFC made the controversial decision to leave Deliveroo due to rising commission costs, highlighting the wider impact on both consumers and businesses.

As well as revealing its survey findings, Grafterr has also offered a series of tips for customers on how they can avoid the worst add-on fees to get the best possible deals:

Order directly with the business through their own online platforms, avoiding additional third-party costs.
Dine in where possible.
Order and collect in-store for smaller orders to avoid service, small order and delivery fees which can add 25% on to the cost of the meal.
Sign up to the mailing list for each delivery platform. They often send out discount codes which can reduce the cost of your meal. For example, UberEats has been known to regularly send out 50% off promotions.

These are the findings from the survey on a city-by-city basis. The survey of 2000 restaurant customers was carried out by research experts Opinion Matters:

City	% of diners unaware of the increased fees for deliveries	% of restaurant customers who’d expect to pay less for deliveries than dining in
Belfast	33%	81%
Birmingham	47%	73%
Brighton	49%	73%
Bristol	51%	77%
Cardiff	36%	70%
Edinburgh	41%	78%
Glasgow	52%	75%
Leeds	53%	81%
Liverpool	59%	74%
London	36%	74%
Manchester	32%	78%
Newcastle	56%	74%
Norwich	53%	82%
Nottingham	35%	76%
Plymouth	49%	78%
Sheffield	47%	69%
Southampton	46%	74%

To learn more about Grafterr, visit: https://www.grafterr.com/

How to keep cool in the car this summer

Motorists are being warned to keep their cars cool at all times during the hot weather else risk breaking the Highway Code.

Insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named six tips for drivers to keep their vehicles fully ventilated throughout summer.

Under rule 237 in the Highway Code, drivers should keep their vehicles fully ventilated at all times to avoid drowsiness and danger behind the wheel.

If caught and charged with dangerous driving, motorists could face two years in prison, unlimited fines and have their licence revoked.

Anyone getting behind the wheel this summer needs to ensure they have a fully ventilated vehicle for the whole journey but with the ever-increasing cost-of-living crisis, running the AC for the entire journey is not an option for many motorists.

Fuel usage can be increased by 10% by switching on the air con even for short journeys.

Internal temperatures of cars can reach dangerous levels – studies have measured vehicles reaching over 50°C, even on a cooler summer day.

Yet with the rise of petrol prices in the UK, many drivers are reluctant to turn on their air con, opting to save fuel and money.

However, there are several other ways drivers can keep cool this summer without having to switch on the air con.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It’s important to make sure the car is fully ventilated throughout hot journeys or risk going against guidance from the Highway Code – putting drivers in danger of drowsiness behind the wheel and risking big penalties.

“For those with cars that do not have air con, or if they want to save fuel by not switching the cold air on, there are several cost-effective ways to ventilate the vehicle and stay cool in the car as temperatures continue to soar.

“Drivers can buy relatively inexpensive solar-powered fans to attach to the inside of vehicles or reflective screens to line the windscreen, keeping the heat out and reducing the temperature in the car before they set off.

“Drivers can also freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and to help them stay hydrated with the ice-cold water when they melt, or hang damp cloths over the vents to cool down the air.

“If motorists are hiring a car or in the process of buying a new one, the colour of the car itself can actually make a difference too, white cars reflect the heat and also tend to cool down quicker than cars of a darker colour, so worth bearing in mind.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s tips on keeping cool and making savings this summer:

Choose your spot wisely

Watching where you park will help to stop the interior of the car getting too hot throughout the day. Leave your car underneath trees and overhanging bushes or find a large van or lorry to park beside.

White is right for keeping cool

If you’re buying a new car or hiring one on holiday, the colour can actually play a part in helping to keep the car cool. White cars reflect the heat and can actually cool down quicker. Lighter coloured seat covers can also help.

Invest in some cooling accessories

Drivers can purchase relatively inexpensive items such as pocket-sized fans to attach to their dashboard to stay cool and help ward off drowsiness. Sunshades can be bought to reflect the sun rays to reduce the vehicles interior temperature. It’ll also reduce the dashboard temperature and steering wheel by blocking out the hot sun – both accessories can normally be found for under £10.

Keep yourself cool and hydrated

Pop a water bottle in the freezer overnight, and in the morning wrap it up in a towel to stop any drips – it will help you keep cool and once melted, drivers will have ice-cold water to drink. Staying hydrated is vital on long hot journeys, dehydration can cause drowsiness – which is dangerous behind the wheel.

Plan ahead and take a break

Plan ahead and avoid the hottest parts of the day if possible, normally between 1-3pm. If the trip can be made early or late in the day it’s best to do so and play it safe. Also don’t drive for more than 2 hours without taking a 15 minute break to recharge, as recommended by rule 91 of the Highway Code.

Utilise what you have

Draping a damp cloth over the vent will make the air blowing through much cooler. Remember to take the rags out of your car afterwards to prevent mildew building up. Leave the windows open if you’ve parked up for a summer picnic or doing some jobs in your front garden where you can keep an eye on your car.

For breakdown cover or to compare car insurance prices, Quotezone.co.uk can help.

Health charity urges Edinburgh residents to share experiences of successful quit smoking attempts

People in Edinburgh who have successfully given up smoking in the last couple of years are being encouraged by a campaigning health charity to share their experiences about how they managed to quit.

As part of the charity’s preparations for No Smoking Day which takes place on 13 March, ASH Scotland is urging Edinburgh residents to share details of their journeys to live a tobacco-free life by highlighting the motivating factors which prompted their quit smoking attempts and if they gave up through sheer willpower and personal determination or the types of support they found to be most useful.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Ahead of No Smoking Day on 13 March, we would love to hear from people in Edinburgh about their successful experiences in the last couple of years or so of giving up smoking for good.

“We look forward to discovering everyone’s inspirational stories, which could encourage others to quit smoking for the first time or try again to live a life free from tobacco and enjoy a healthier future with opportunities to spend their money in other ways.”

The charity is asking people to share stories up to a maximum of 200 words by emailing: comms@ashscotland.org.uk or via ashscotland.org.uk/your-story.

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.

Fans heading to Euro 2024 in Germany warned of new travel rules

As Euro 2024 approaches, excitement is building among UK football fans planning to visit Germany for the tournament. However, post-Brexit travel rules and potential additional costs are crucial considerations for UK travellers.

Travel experts from Football Ticket Pad, delve into the key aspects UK fans need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Passport Validity and Visas

Since Brexit, UK passports must meet specific criteria for travel within the Schengen Area, including Germany:

Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return.

Issue Date: Passports older than 10 years, even with validity remaining, might not be accepted.

For stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, UK citizens do not require visas for tourism, including attending sports events. However, keep an eye on any changes in visa policy as the event draws closer.

ETIAS Requirement (Expected from 2024)

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be operational by 2024. UK citizens may need to apply for this pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA system. The process involves a small fee and is completed online.

Health and Travel Insurance

With the UK no longer part of the EU, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) issued in the UK are not valid. It’s vital to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes health coverage. Failure to have appropriate insurance might result in significant costs if medical care is needed.

Roaming Charges and Connectivity

Since Brexit, the guarantee of free roaming within the EU no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your provider for specific roaming policies and consider purchasing a local SIM card in Germany for cost-effective data and calls.

Driving in Germany

If you plan to drive:

International Driving Permit (IDP): Depending on the type of UK licence you have, you may need an IDP.

Vehicle Insurance: Ensure your vehicle insurance covers travel in Germany.

Emission Stickers: Some German cities require an emissions sticker to drive in certain areas.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Laws

Understanding local customs and laws can help avoid unintentional disrespect or fines:

Recycling Laws: Germany has strict recycling laws. Improper disposal of waste can result in fines.

Public Behaviour: Disorderly behaviour, especially in public spaces, is frowned upon and can attract penalties.

Managing Costs and Budgeting

Currency Exchange: Remember, Germany uses the Euro. Keep an eye on exchange rates and consider using travel cards to manage currency exchange fees.

Accommodation and Travel: Book NOW, to secure better rates. Consider alternative accommodations like hostels or Airbnb.

Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

Emergency Numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency contacts. In Germany, 112 is the emergency number.

Language: While many Germans speak English, learning basic German phrases can enhance your experience.

Event Tickets and Local Transport: Ensure your event tickets are booked in advance and research local transport options.

James O’Leary, from Football Ticket Pad says: “While the post-Brexit era has brought changes to travelling from the UK to EU countries like Germany, with adequate preparation and awareness of the new rules and potential costs, UK fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable experience at Euro 2024.

“Remember, the key to a smooth trip lies in planning ahead and staying informed!”

Age Scotland produce new Help with the Cost of Living Guide

AGE Scotland has produced a new guide to support older people through the #costofliving crisis.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, cost-effective recipes, and a directory on where to go for help:

The cost of living crisis is forcing many older people to make incredibly difficult financial choices between powering and heating their homes and the food they can afford to buy.

Age Scotland’s helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their energy bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are now at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

Their Big Survey 2023 really highlights the stark reality and toll the cost of living crisis has taken on older people’s financial and physical wellbeing.

Age Scotland has pulled together this guide to support older people as we believe nobody should face the ongoing cost of living crisis alone.

It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, recipes from top Scottish chefs, including Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh, and a directory on where to go for help.

We hope you find it useful. For further help and advice or to get a benefits check please call our free Helpline on 0800 12 44 222.

cost-of-living-guide-v-online Download

Water safety charity issues warning as floods continue to pose a risk to life

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is issuing safety advice as people take risks as severe floods continue to cause disruption

As Storm Henk continues to affect large parts of the UK and causes ongoing severe weather conditions, there have been an increasing number of incidents reported involving driving through and entering flood water.

The media has also reported incidents of people falling on slippery banks into open water, with these events sadly resulting in the loss of lives; including three male victims named in North Yorkshire and one woman in Scotland.

With the increase in number of weather-related accidents, there have also been hundreds of rescues as emergency services have been enlisted to help navigate the stormy conditions.

And with harsh weather set to continue and more serious flood warnings expected, safety around floodwater could mean the difference between life and death.

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, RLSS UK is urging people to use its water safety advice in a flood:

RLSS UK’s quick advice tips for staying safe during times of flooding:

Never try to walk or drive through floodwater – six inches of fast flowing water can knock an adult over and two feet of water will float a car.
Never try to swim through fast flowing water or flood water – you may get swept away or be struck or caught up in an object in the water. If stuck, call 999 and wait for help.
If you see someone in trouble in the water – do not go in yourself to attempt to rescue them – shout for help, call 999, and find a nearby rescue device such as a life buoy. If there is no water rescue equipment nearby – try and find something that floats and throw it to them if possible.
Get to the highest level if trapped in a building – only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless necessary.
Once flood water has rescinded stay well clear of the water’s edge as it is likely to be extremely slippery and prone to erosion in places.

How young drivers can save in 2024

2023 was particularly harsh on young drivers, with premiums soaring by over 50% as the cost-of-living pressures took effect.

The sky-high cost of learning to drive combined with these higher insurance premiums and new emissions costs for older cars, are all making it a struggle for young drivers to get on the roads.

Data shows the average car insurance premium for young 18-year-old drivers increased to £1207 in 2023.

The experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed ten savings hacks to help young drivers give their finances a fresh start for the new year.

One of the most important things for young drivers is to be safe and avoid penalty points, a fifth of convicted drivers in the UK have been driving for a year or less – according to a sample of over 15,000 convicted drivers, analysed by Quotezone.co.uk.

Penalty points on a licence may not only result in a steep fine but will also bump up the insurance costs. Drivers can expect premiums to rise by 5% for three points and 25% for six points if they’re starting from a clean licence.

Young drivers or those with penalty points may be able to get cheaper insurance by opting for a telematics policy, or black box insurance.

Black box insurance starts collecting data on their driving immediately, if they’re a safe driver, this can help the insurer see them as less of a risk and may result in a more competitive price. Although, like all premiums this year, prices are on the rise, in 2023 telematics was still able to save young drivers an average of £75 annually.

Age group 18-24	NO telematics	YES telematics
2021	£1199	£938
2022	£1047	£1050
2023	£1230	£1155

Quotezone.co.uk CEO Greg Wilson said: “Young drivers had a tough 2023 with delays to driving tests and backlogs for lessons plus the rising cost of everything associated with motoring – insurance, repairs, fuel – we’re hoping 2024 is a much better and cheaper year for those new to the road.

“There are lots of things young drivers can do to help bring the cost of driving down, from knowing how to avoid even the most unusual fines and penalty points to installing a black box and keeping modifications and mileage to a minimum.

“We’re researched the top 10 ways we think will help young drivers save in 2024 along with the essentials such as shopping around and comparing product details, annual payments if possible and reviewing when exactly is the best time to buy, normally three weeks before the policy is due for renewal is the most competitive.

“Passing your test and taking to the road for the first time is a rite of passage and it would be worrying if new drivers started to struggle to make driving a reality due to cost, hopefully our money saving tips go some way to making a more affordable 2024.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s Top ten hacks that could help young drivers save:

1. Do check your mileage

When taking out insurance, you will be asked to estimate your annual mileage. The costs will rise in incremental bands so the more miles you drive, the more you pay so try to be accurate and realistic with your prediction.

2. Do park in a safe place

Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking could make big savings on their car insurance – parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year and carports could save you even more, with £230 savings on average.

3. Do consider switching to a smaller engine

Be sure to check your vehicle’s engine size and horsepower, both can impact the cost of your premium. Also, some small engines are turbocharged and that can give them more power than might be expected, which will likely cause the premium to increase.

4. Do keep modifications to a minimum

It comes as no surprise that adding a custom exhaust or putting in lowered suspension might cause insurance premiums to rise, but even seemingly innocuous changes such as adding branding to a vehicle can affect the cost.

5. Do consider a black box

A telematics policy, or black box insurance – starts collecting driving data immediately, this can help the insurer with their risk analysis, safer driving increases the chances of a competitive price for young drivers.

6. Don’t over pack the vehicle

Packing items above the seat line will impair vision, while heavy loads are likely to affect a car’s handling and stopping distances. Overloading a car past its capacity is a punishable offence, with a fine of up to £300 and 3 points. Driving without full visibility out all windows is also punishable and could result in a £50 fixed penalty.

7. Don’t forget your sunglasses

Sunglasses are labelled with a ranking from zero to four in order to determine their strength and the time of day they can be worn. The average pair of sunglasses is categorised as a number two – these are recommended for daytime driving. Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect dangers. Motorists could be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points for driving without due care or attention.

8. Don’t use the wrong fuel

Misfuelling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make. Pumping diesel fuel into a petrol car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists to pick up the maintenance costs. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states before drivers set off, they should ensure they have ‘sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving’. Careless or dangerous driving caused by low fuel will see motorists face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license.

9. Don’t leave the car switched on while waiting for friends

‘Idling’ or leaving the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road goes against Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act. Drivers risk a £20 penalty notice that will double if not paid in full within 28 days. According to research conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, almost 11% of drivers fail to turn off their engines while waiting.**

10. Don’t splash pedestrians

Splashing pedestrians is actually illegal under section three of the Road Traffic Act, 1988 – and is considered to be driving ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road’ – resulting in a fine of £100 and three penalty points on the licence, in some cases, fines can reach as much as £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for others on the road.

Quotezone.co.uk can help if you’re looking for learner drivers or young drivers insurance. If you live in Northern Ireland, CompareNI.com can help.

Festive bonus as UK Government progresses on workers’ rights package

Government sets out the next stages for a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts to support UK workers

UK Government sets out next steps to improve the lives of workers across the UK
Benefits include tips worth £200 million a year in the pockets of hardworking people and more say over working patterns
Government ‘also backing British workers’ by introducing the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage

Millions are set to benefit as the Westminster government sets out the next stages for a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts – giving more money and more say back to UK workers.

Benefits range from £200 million more back in the pockets of hard-working people, to greater flexibility over when, where and how you work.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “As we approach Christmas, it’s more vital than ever that we do what we can to support workers and families across the country.

“I’d like to encourage businesses to be as flexible as possible and give their hard-working employees the tips they deserve.

“I want to thank the MPs who brought forward this legislation to support hard working families and shape the UK’s outstanding workers’ rights record.”

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which became law in May this year, requires employers to pass all tips on to workers.

Most employers already pass on tips to the staff who earn them. However, there are still some unacceptable tipping practices by unscrupulous employers, which must be stopped.

Christmas is an incredibly busy season for hospitality workers, and usually a time of year when customers are more generous with their tips. All employees deserve to receive their fair share of tips, so the Government has launched a public consultation on the Tipping Act’s Code of Practice to gain feedback from employers, workers and other stakeholders on the fair and transparent distribution of tips.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “The shift in recent years towards increased use of flexible working by organisations has allowed more people to better balance their working lives and enabled employers to attract and retain skilled staff.

“Acas has recently consulted on a new draft Code of Practice which outlines good practice around requests for flexible working and explains the forthcoming changes in the law to employers and employees.”

New rights to protect new parents from redundancy, give carers extra support and help all employees work flexibly are also a step closer as government has laid legislation with plans for the measures to come in next spring.

These measures will improve the lives of hard-working families across Britain, aiding workers who have caring responsibilities or parents at risk of redundancy and ensuring everyone is able work as flexibly as needed into the new year.

An extra 2.6 million workers across the UK will benefit from the removal of the 26 week qualifying period that is currently required before making a flexible working request.

Those with caring responsibilities will also be entitled to a brand new employment right to a week’s leave to care for a dependent.

Redundancy protections are also being extended to cover pregnancy, as well as to new parents.

The UK Government is are also backing British workers by introducing the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage, worth over £1,800 a year for a full-time worker, fulfilling the pledge to end low pay.

When this increase comes into effect in April, the National Living Wage will be worth nearly £21,000 a year for a full time worker – almost double, in cash terms, the amount which a full time worker on the National Minimum Wage earned in 2010.

For the first time, 21 years olds will be legally entitled to the National Living Wage, which is set to reach two-thirds of average earnings.

RoSPA: Make it an accident-free December to remember

RoSPA: with overall hospital admissions up across the board it’s more important than ever to prevent accidents and both reduce pressure on the NHS and ensure people’s Christmas isn’t ruined by spending hours in overcrowded A&Es.
RoSPA: Have fun and enjoy the festive period safely

Enjoy the festive season but make it a safe one too, that’s the message from accident prevention experts, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ahead of the Christmas chaos.

NHS figures show that overall total hospital admissions for all causes were up last year^[i], with over half a million emergency admissions – the equivalent to the population of Edinburgh requiring urgent treatment.

Jim Oram, Public Health Project Officer at RoSPA advises reducing accident risk to avoid spending hours in overcrowded accident and emergency departments: “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement during the festive period, but having more people in the home can add to the risks.

“With some forward planning and awareness of potential hazards, your festive season can be safe and happy for everyone.”

Here are RoSPA’s top tips to stay safe this festive season:

Reduce the risk of a fall

In the UK, we saw 7,229 patients admitted to hospital last December with hip fractures and that was up 20 per cent on the year before^[1]. Keep yourself and loved ones safe by keeping the floor, stairs and walkways clear, and clean up any spillages as soon as you can. And if the weather takes an icy turn, grit the paths and walkways outside.

Only purchase gifts from reputable traders

When buying presents, opt for reputable retailers, especially when shopping online. If a trader does not have a high street presence in the UK, check online reviews before buying. Online sellers should have a UK address listed on their website.

Look for the CE, UKCA, UKNI, and Lion marks on toys, and check for age-appropriateness and warnings.

Button batteries in toys should always be inside a lockable compartment, and any magnets used in toys should be secure to avoid ingestion.

Prepare for young visitors

There are some fantastically fun novelty decorations out at this time of year, but it’s important to remember these are not toys and therefore do not have to comply with toy safety regulations.

If you have a young family or have children visiting, always be mindful of decorations they could put into their mouths. Some decorations are particularly risky, such as ones with unsecure button batteries, ones made from glass and those with magnets inside. It’s also worth having a check that cleaning products, vapes and medications are kept out of reach, and blind cords have the appropriate safety fixtures.

Think fire safety

Last year there were nearly 200,000 house fires in the UK alone^[2], so taking fire safety seriously is key.

Use electrical candles over real flames, keep decorations and cards away from heat sources, replace old Christmas lights and try not to leave anything plugged in overnight.

Maximise kitchen safety

It’s a familiar scene – the chef cooking the roasties while helpers ferry plates from A to B, and children run around high on the festivities of the day. And while everyone should enjoy the atmosphere, it’s best to keep spirits high by avoiding accidents. Allow ample time to avoid accidents from rushing and where possible, keep non-helpers out of the kitchen.

Figures from the Hip Fracture Database indicate a peak in falls around December^[3], so be sure to clean up spills and clutter promptly to reduce the risk of your family or friends falling over.

Keep hot crockery and drinks out of reach

Burns are the fourth common form of trauma worldwide, after road traffic collisions, falls and interpersonal violence^[4], with around half of those affected children. With a higher frequency of hot drinks, food, and cooked edibles around, be mindful to keep hot pans, plates and drinks out of reach.