News

Labour Government faces scrutiny over “Make Work Pay” plan

Published

2 years 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.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.