News

Labour Government faces scrutiny over “Make Work Pay” plan

Published

1 year ago

October 10, 2024

THE Labour government’s ambitious “Make Work Pay” initiative, designed to enhance pay and productivity in the workforce, has come under critical review from various stakeholders as it gears up for a significant parliamentary introduction this Thursday. While the government touts the plan as a transformative step towards economic growth and worker empowerment, opposition from business leaders and internal party factions suggests a potentially rocky road ahead.

The plan, which includes ending zero-hour contracts, instituting day-one rights for bereavement, parental leave, and strengthening statutory sick pay, aims to revolutionize worker rights in what could be the most significant reform in decades. However, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has flagged concerns about the practical implications for businesses, particularly around the proposals to allow unfair dismissal claims from day one of employment. This change, they argue, could lead to an increase in employment tribunal claims, putting additional pressure on already stretched tribunal resources, and requiring businesses to adopt more rigorous dismissal processes.

Adding to the business community’s worries, Reed Smith LLP, a global law firm, highlighted the potential complications the proposed reforms could pose, especially regarding the increased management time required to adhere to new employment protection measures. They suggest that businesses should start reviewing their current recruitment and probationary practices in anticipation of these changes.

Criticism has not only come from the business sector but also from within Labour’s own ranks and affiliated unions. A significant point of contention has been the alleged dilution of earlier commitments such as sectoral collective bargaining and national fair pay agreements. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, has openly criticized the government for what she perceives as a retreat from initial promises, describing it as a “betrayal” of workers. She warned that failing to deliver the reforms as originally promised could result in a loss of union support for the party.

The New Statesman also reports that there are concerns about the plan’s ability to address the needs of workers with health conditions effectively. Critics argue that the reforms lack the necessary active government interventions to support individuals struggling in the workplace due to health issues, which could leave a significant portion of the workforce unsupported in practical terms.

Despite these challenges, the Labour government remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing through with its reforms, viewing them as crucial to reshaping the UK’s economic landscape and enhancing the living standards of its workers. The coming weeks will be critical as the government seeks to navigate the complex landscape of political and economic interests to deliver on its promises.

As this pivotal legislation approaches its parliamentary debut, all eyes will be on how these debates will unfold and what compromises, if any, will be necessary to secure a path forward for this landmark reform effort.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.