News
Local businesses warned over minimum wage
INCREASED fines are being introduced next month to ensure that all employers pay their workers the National Minimum Wage. The change, which will see the maximum fine per employer rise from £5,000 to £20,000, has received the support of Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.
This comes ahead of next month’s expected recommendation from the Low Pay Commission on the minimum wage level for 2014. The National Minimum Wage for adults is currently set at £6.31 an hour, having risen by 12p an hour in October. The rate for 18-to-20-year-olds is£5.03 an hour, while it is £3.72 an hour for the 16-to-17-year-old age group.
Employers in Pembrokeshire and across the Country caught breaking the law currently have to pay any unpaid wages plus a financial penalty. The maximum penalty will now quadruple to £20,000.
Commenting, Stephen Crabb MP said: “The National Minimum Wage is an important tool in helping those workers at the lower end of the pay scale particularly in areas like Pembrokeshire. It is absolutely unacceptable for workers to be paid less than the minimum wage and the increase in fines will act as a strong incentive for businesses to make sure this does not happen.”
“There has been a strong debate in recent months about the cost of living and I would like to see the National Minimum Wage increase – but not at the expense of the current jobs growth.”
He added, “With the increase in the Personal Allowance taking thousands in Pembrokeshire out of Income Tax, the freeze in Fuel Duty, and now with inflation falling to its lowest level since 2009, there are a number of other ways in which the financial burden for those on the lowest incomes is being eased. But clearly there is more to do.”
Community
Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker
Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance
FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.
Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.






On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.
Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.
(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)









Community
Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation
SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.
Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.
In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.
Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.
Community
Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven
ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.
The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.
Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.
The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.

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