Children delighted by hidden books initiative
BBC Theo is one of the lucky children who found a book “It’s really heartwarming when the children find a book.” Kath Blythman has been running the “look for a book” initiative in Ballymena in County Antrim for more than a year. She, along with her two children Tilly and Liam, hide books under swings, […]
Wahaca changes eat-and-run policy after waiter asked to pay part of bill
BBC Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca has 25 branches across the UK Wahaca has tightened up its policy on walk-outs, after a waiter was told to pay part of the bill when his customers left without paying. The company said waiters would no longer have to pay any element of the bill when this happens. However, […]
Activists’ concern after abortion buffer zone group disbanded
BBC The working group was formed to address anti-abortion activities which take place outside clinics Pro-choice activists have raised concerns after the Scottish government disbanded a working group on abortion buffer zones. Back Off Scotland, which wants curbs on protests near clinics, accused ministers of sitting “on their hands”. A members bill proposed by Scottish […]
Would you give up a well-paid job for a short contract?
Would you give up your job to start a social enterprise? Would you give up a well-paid job for a six-month contract at living wage, with only the promise of help and mentoring to begin your own start-up with a social mission? That’s what 55 people from 19 countries have done, and by the end […]
Why Chinese mothers turned away from C-sections
China Photos Doctors and researchers have long been warning of alarmingly high Caesarean-section rates globally. Among countries with such high C-section rates, only one has managed to change – China. The story of how China succeeded where others failed is exemplary but also somewhat troubling. Less than a decade ago, China was criticised by the […]
Campaigners urge Labour to block Cambridge sewage plant plan
PA Media Campaigners opposed to a new Cambridge sewage works have written to Labour Environment Secretary Steve Reed A campaign group against a plan to create a sewage works near their homes has asked the new Labour government to block the project. Save Honey Hill objects to Anglian Water’s plan to relocate a sewage treatment […]
Government to shorten HGV driver testing process
Getty Images The government is expected to announce a shake-up of the HGV driver testing process as soon as Thursday. It wants to fast track drivers into the haulage industry amid chronic shortages which have caused supply problems. The BBC understands that during meetings between government officials, hauliers and suppliers, the “penny finally dropped” that […]
Charlton Athletic: SE7 Partners complete takeover from Thomas Sandgaard
SE7 Partners has completed its takeover of League One club Charlton Athletic, buying the south-east London outfit from Thomas Sandgaard. Headed by former Sunderland director Charlie Methven, the company is a subsidiary of Global Football Partners. “As an ownership group, my fellow shareholders and I are excited to begin this new chapter,” Methven said., external […]
Pound falls to lowest level against dollar since 1985
Getty Images The pound has plummeted to its lowest level against the US dollar since 1985. Sterling fell 0.64% to $1.145 on Wednesday afternoon – a level not seen in 37 years. The Bank of England said a weaker outlook for the UK economy as well as a stronger dollar were putting pressure on sterling. […]
A WW2 hero and a reckoning with Japan’s past
Getty Images Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda (centre) walks from the jungle in 1974 The last Japanese soldier to formally surrender after the country’s defeat in World War Two was Hiroo Onoda. Lieutenant Onoda finally handed over his sword on March 9th 1974. He had held out in the Philippine jungle for 29 years. In interviews and […]