News
Any takers for Joseph’s dream?
THE ANNOUNCEMENT by Milford Central County Councillor Stephen Joseph that he is to form a new group on Pembrokeshire County Council is reported elsewhere in this paper.
In an effort to find out how much support Councillor Joseph is likely to gather, the Herald attempted to contact every county councillor to find out where they stood. At the same time, we asked each councillor whether they supported the protest scheduled for County Hall on Friday, August 8. In order to ensure each councillor had the option of declaring their position in the public interest, each of them was also sent two emails, in some cases to multiple addresses, and given two phone calls.
From the 56 councillor’s polled by this paper’s deadline, we had received just 27 replies IPPG uber-loyalist Daphne Bush hung up on our reporter, rather than answer the first question. When rung to answer the second, she hung up again. Based on Councillor Daphne’s demonstrably less than independent turn of mind, we guessed that she did not know how to answer as she had not yet been told what to say. Pearl Llewellyn was more forthcoming. She told us that she had no intention of joining Pembrokeshire First, but did say that she was more than likely to support Friday’s action. Our reporter John Vaughan soon discovered that word had got around amongst IPPG members that these questions were being asked, and it appears the advice given, within the group, was to refuse to answer the key question as to whether or not they supported their workers’ protest.
Former Cabinet member Ken Rowlands hung up when asked about Pembrokeshire First and declined to answer whether or not he supported the workers’ protest. Fellow Labour turncoat Umelda Havard was another to hang up on our reporter when asked about Pembrokeshire First and would not comment on the protest against Bryn Parry Jones. IPPG members Lyndon Frayling and Huw George offered no comment to either question. From the members that were prepared to answer these two simple and direct questions, The Herald received some very strong comments. Councillor Peter Stock said: “As a member of the Pembrokeshire Alliance, we are determined to put Pembrokeshire first, and provide a quality service that the people of our county richly deserve.
So why try to form a new group with a similar idea and objectives?” Jacob Williams responded by stating: “I am not interested in joining Pembrokeshire First. I was elected independent and I will remain independent; as an unaffiliated member.” Predictably, Michael Williams, of Plaid Cymru, claimed Cllr Joseph ‘was deserting a sinking ship’. On the protest he said: “It is a sad state of affairs when we see this type of action, and it shows the failure of the controlling group to get a grip and give some firm political direction. Firstly by suspending the CEO until the investigation is completed. Secondly by admitting their failures and apologising to Pembrokeshire Taxpayers for the continued disastrous news stories that flow from this failing Authority. “I support that staff, and I have great sympathy for them. They see their pay cut or frozen, while the CEO seems to receive huge increases in salary. It is incredible to remember that he was appointed in 1996 on a salary of £60k.
The question must be asked of those that sat on the Senior Staff committee and authorised these obscene increases.” Anthony Wilcox, from the Labour Group, made his position clear: “I have no interest myself in joining Stephen Joseph’s group/party. However, if it leads to the downfall of the current ‘bought and paid for’ mob, I welcome it.” Councillor Tony Brinsden said: “I am an Independent (dictionary definition) member and intend to remain that way. Since being elected two years ago Cllr Joseph has changed his allegiance twice so who knows where he might be in a year’s time.”
Leader of the Labour Group, Paul Miller, confined himself to speaking about the Unison protest, confirming that he would be there to show support: “The joint union ballot and demonstration is an opportunity for staff to express their view on how Pembrokeshire Council is being run. “Many staff have been badly treated in recent years having had their salaries cut, hours reduced or pay frozen. I can only imagine how it felt to find out that, at the same time, the Chief Executive had been paid an additional £45,000 in unlawful pay supplements and that the Council had bought him a Porsche. We simply cannot continue like this. “The Independent Political Group are riding roughshod over the people of this county and undermining democracy at every turn.
We must all continue to do everything we can to fight for change!’” Tory Councillor Stan Hudson, a member of the secretive council committee that voted to help Bryn avoid a potential tax liability on his seven-figure publicly-funded pension by making unlawful payments to him, and who has supported the CEO in every subsequent vote even against his own party colleagues, was far less supportive of the workers’ protest against their CEO. Instead, Conservative Stan told us that he would not support the strike as he believed it was a Labour Party publicity stunt drummed up by Labour Leader Paul Miller, arranged for the benefit of what he alleged were Councillor Miller’s union paymasters. Fellow Tory David Bryan, formerly of the IPG until knifed by the group at the last election, offered no comment on either Pembrokeshire First or on supporting the protest against Bryn Parry Jones.
Entertainment
Create a dried meadow flower artwork at Roch Castle
ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is hosting a workshop to create a dried meadow flower wall artwork to adorn your home on Sunday, May 19 (12pm-2pm).
During the two-hour session you will learn how to fill a 40cm x 30cm natural wood frame with your chosen mix of dried flowers, grasses and seed heads.
Most of the flowers have been grown and dried by Karen MacKechnie from the Floral Goat on her Pembrokeshire farm, with some additional stems sourced from other British flower farmers.
Places at the dried flower meadow workshop, which will be led by Karen, are priced at £70 per person to include all materials as well as tea/coffee and Welshcakes. Book online via Roch Castle’s website www.rochcastle.com or call 01437 725 566.
Free parking is available on-site but as space is limited please car share where possible. As a 12th century castle, access within Roch Castle is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Business
Women make better homeworkers than men, according to new survey
A GROUNDBREAKING survey conducted by the team behind the British Business Excellence Awards (www.britishbusinessexcellenceawards.co.uk) have uncovered a significant trend in the remote work landscape: women are leading the charge as successful remote workers, surpassing men in both productivity and overall satisfaction with remote work arrangements.
The survey, encompassing more than 2,300 UK adults in full-time employment (a 50/50 split of men and women), revealed a striking trend: over two thirds of employees (69%) perceive female remote workers as more productive than their male counterparts. Contrary to traditional assumptions, women are not only adapting to remote work, but thriving in it.
Additionally, over three-quarters of women (76%) reported increased productivity since transitioning to remote work, compared to 54% of men. This shift in productivity is closely tied to work-life balance, with 72% of women indicating an improved balance since working remotely, compared to 58% of men.
Female remote workers also stood out in terms of approachability and support, with a staggering three-quarters of respondents (75%) perceiving female colleagues as more approachable in the virtual workspace. This accessibility and support contribute to a more cohesive and connected remote work environment.
In a reflection of the evolving priorities in the business world, over half of men (54%) and three-fifths of women (61%) believe that female remote workers are more progressive when it comes to sustainability and environmental initiatives. Women in remote roles were perceived as having a stronger focus on implementing sustainable practices and promoting eco-consciousness in their virtual teams.
Conversely, the survey highlighted a perception that male remote workers are more comfortable with embracing technology and artificial intelligence (AI), with 78% of men and 61% of women expressing this view. This suggests that male remote workers are seen as driving digital transformation and leveraging tech tools more readily in the virtual workspace.
Sarah Austin, Director of the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards, commented:
“These findings challenge traditional norms and underline the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees, especially women, can thrive. The data clearly shows that women bring unique strengths to remote work, contributing to higher productivity, improved work-life balance, and a focus on sustainability.
“The survey underscores the significant advantages of supporting and promoting women in remote work settings. As businesses continue to navigate the remote work landscape, understanding and leveraging the strengths of female remote workers can lead to enhanced productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success.”
Business
Lidl GB Targets Pembroke Dock for new store locations in Wales
LIDL GB has disclosed a coveted list of locations for new stores across Wales, prominently featuring Pembroke Dock among other key Welsh towns such as Newport, Cardiff, and Brecon. This announcement is part of the retailer’s broader strategy to inaugurate hundreds of new outlets throughout Great Britain, a plan that promises to generate thousands of jobs and revitalize local economies.
As Lidl marks its 30th anniversary since launching its first store, the company not only celebrates a historic market share peak of 8% but also reflects on a year of substantial infrastructural investments. These initiatives include the unveiling of the largest global distribution centre in Luton and the expansion of the Welsh distribution hub in Bridgend, alongside enhancements at the Belvedere warehouse which is set to double in capacity upon completion.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s Chief Development Officer, elaborated on the company’s ambitious growth trajectory. “With significant investments fortifying our operations and a series of strategic store enhancements, our market position has never been stronger,” he stated. Taylor highlighted the brand’s ongoing status as the fastest-growing bricks and mortar supermarket for seven consecutive months, underscoring its relentless pursuit of operational excellence and commitment to affordability.
The proposed expansion into Pembroke Dock is poised to bring high-quality, affordable groceries closer to more households, aligning with Lidl’s mission to make good food accessible to all. The move is expected to attract a larger customer base, boosting Lidl’s market presence even further.
In pursuit of suitable sites, Lidl is offering incentives such as a finder’s fee for identifying viable locations, which includes 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds. Ideal sites would be prominent, easily accessible, and have substantial traffic or pedestrian flow, accommodating stores between 18,000 and 26,500 square feet with ample parking.
The strategic choice of Pembroke Dock reflects Lidl’s investment in regions with growth potential, ensuring that the benefits of its expansion are felt widely across Wales and beyond. As the retailer continues to explore innovative expansion avenues, the future looks promising for both Lidl and the communities it serves.
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