News

Tesco again lets down lamb producers

Published

11 years ago

October 22, 2013

THE farming unions have this week acknowledged the good work of Aldi and Morrisons in getting 100% British lamb on their shelves, but at the same time, have expressed grave disappointment that the proportion on sale in Tesco stores is as low as 55%.
New trade figures also show M&S and Sainsbury’s all ensured at least 85% of lamb in store carried a Welsh or British labels.
Commenting on the findings, NFU President Peter Kendall said more needs to be done, particularly by Tesco.
He said: “In July, I called upon all retailers to celebrate British lamb as ‘best in season’, putting it front and centre of their displays and really getting behind our sheep farmers.
“It’s great that most appear to be taking that message on board, including Tesco, which has invested in national advertising of UK lamb. However, the results of this survey show there is still an enormous amount of work to do within Tesco to increase their British sourcing.
“It is now seven months since Philip Clarke made bold promises to increase their British sourcing at the NFU Conference, and many hard working sheep farmers will be asking serious questions about whether this was a genuine commitment.
“While we are confident that Tesco is working on plans for the future, it is concerning that their promises to UK agriculture don’t seem to be reflected in current commercial buying behaviour. These figures suggest they are clearly buying less UK lamb than last year, showing that between January and August there has been a 10% drop in the amount of British labels in the Tesco lamb chillers.
“We believe that all parts of the supply chain must work together to ensure a stronger British sheep industry and we know there is scope to increase British sourcing and get more British lamb on more British plates.
“We will continue to hold retailers and other parts of the supply chain to account on both their sourcing and their communications.”
“Many sheep farmers are still rebuilding businesses following the difficult market conditions last year and confidence is fragile, reflected in the low prices for breeding stock seen this year.
“Farmers are relying on strong autumn sales to restore balance sheets and the global supply situation is forecast to remain tight. Every ingredient is there for a successful season and it’s now imperative that agriculture’s biggest customers are all fully behind British lamb.”
Whilst the prices being paid to local lamb producers has been at its lowest the Welsh meat promotions agency (Hybu Cig Cymru -HCC) has reported that there has been encouraging Russian interest in Welsh Lamb at the world’s biggest international food fair Anuga.
The Welsh meat body explained that there had been several “serious enquiries” from Russian companies looking to put Welsh Lamb into their shops.
HCC market development manager Laura Dodds explained: “Welsh Lamb is not only a world-class brand, but is seen as a high-quality premium product, which explains the interest from an increasingly wealthy Russia.
“Identifying new markets is important to ensure the continuing viability of the Welsh red meat industry. Exports can bring the wealth back to Wales, securing 50,000 jobs in the farming and processing industries and boosting the Welsh economy.”

News

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.”

Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found on a beach near Pennar, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening, April 30^th, 2024.

Her family has issued a statement to say: ‘We are devastated by our loss. Sian was a beautiful, funny, loving person. We will treasure the good times we had with her.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The circumstances surrounding Sian’s death are being investigated and police would like to hear from anyone with information, sightings of Sian or contact from Sian, between Thursday April 25 to Tuesday April 30.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20240430-284

Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

Health

Junior doctors secure strike extension in pay negotiations with WG

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BMA Cymru Wales has confirmed a positive development in its pay negotiations announcing that Junior doctors have secured a three-month extension to their overwhelming strike mandate.

This means that junior doctors in Wales now have the right to enact industrial action over their pay until 17 September 2024 instead of 17 June when the mandate was due to run out.

Recognising the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors and the overwhelming 98% vote by members in favour of industrial action back in December 2023, employers have agreed to honour this extension to allow talks with the Welsh Government to continue.

Co-chairs of the Welsh Junior Doctor Committee Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said of this development:

“We are pleased to be able to secure an extension to our overwhelming strike mandate. Whilst we hope to put an end to our pay dispute through pay negotiations by reaching a credible deal and restoring our pay, it was important to secure more time for our mandate.

“The extension allows us to focus on talks but also provides us with the scope to get organised and enact our legal right to strike should we need to. This is about honouring the emphatic mandate of our members.

“Doctors have experienced real terms pay cut of almost a third since 2008. They voted overwhelmingly to put an end to the devaluing of their service, they know they are not worth a third less than their predecessors and they know the time is now to stick up for the profession and turn the tide of the continued erosion of their pay once and for all”.

The Welsh Government and NHS employers have agreed to the extension as part of ongoing pay negotiations where all parties hope to reach an end to the pay dispute with junior doctors, SAS doctors and Consultants in Wales.

Last month, BMA Cymru Wales announced it was suspending forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS doctors and putting plans on hold to announce more strike dates for junior doctors to allow pay negotiations to take place*.

The decision to enter pay negotiations was based on a significant proposal from the Welsh Government to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors including Consultants, SAS, and Junior doctors, with the aim of reaching deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another below inflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year. SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%. This was the lowest pay offer any government in the UK offered and less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action. Since then, junior doctors have taken part in 10 days of industrial action since January this year.