Energy regulator ‘disappointed' after strike announcement
Hundreds of members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) in Glasgow, London and Cardiff will walk out for three days from August 26.
An Ofgem spokesperson said: 'We are disappointed to hear the PCS has today announced industrial action.
'Around a third of Ofgem's workforce are PCS members, and we continue to engage with them and staff on these important issues.
'As with the rest of the public sector, it's vital we are as efficient and effective as possible for the households and businesses we serve, while also ensuring we attract and retain the people and skills we need.
'Our priority will be to minimise disruption to our operations and to continue to serve consumers across Britain.'
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Reuters
44 minutes ago
- Reuters
Lidl's British workers get fifth pay rise in two years
LONDON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - The British arm of German discount supermarket Lidl is to give its 28,000 hourly paid workers a fifth pay rise in two years, matching the increased level offered by rival Aldi, it said on Friday. The Bank of England is keeping a close eye on wage settlements as it assesses whether to lower interest rates further. Official data published on Tuesday showed Britain's jobs market weakened again, with payrolls falling for a sixth month and vacancies dropping further. However, wage growth stayed strong, underscoring why the BoE is so cautious about cutting interest rates. The latest increase from Lidl GB, which trades from 980 stores, will from September 1 see entry-level pay rise from 12.75 pounds ($17.32) an hour to 13 pounds nationally, rising to 13.95 pounds with length of service. Workers in London will see higher rates. Last month, Aldi UK said it would pay store assistants at least 13 pounds an hour from September 1. Industry leader Tesco (TSCO.L), opens new tab will pay a minimum of 12.64 pounds an hour from the same date. Britain's government-mandated main minimum wage is currently 12.21 pounds an hour. Earlier this month, the body which effectively sets the rate said it will probably need to rise to 12.71 pounds next year to keep up with the government's goal for it to match two-thirds of median earnings. ($1 = 0.7362 pounds)
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners dealt fresh Eze BLOW, Lookman ‘REJECTS move', Premier League ‘rivals eye Rodrygo'
THE summer transfer window is heading towards a thrilling climax - and Arsenal's business is far from finished! Eberechi Eze is a target for the Gunners, but they are not willing to pay the figure that Crystal Palace are after this summer. North London rivals Tottenham are said to be ready to step up their attempts to land the England international. Elsewhere, Ademola Lookman isn't interested in a move to the Emirates and only wants Inter Milan, according to reports. In other news, Arsenal's Premier League rivals Manchester City are considering a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, according to reports. 11th Aug 2025, 22:00 By Anthony Chapman Hein set for exit Karl Hein is set to leave Arsenal before deadline day. Levante and Rangers are lining up deals for the goalie. Hein dropped down the pecking order following Kepa Arrizabalaga's arrival. And with his contract up next summer, Hein could go for a bargain fee. 11th Aug 2025, 21:00 By Anthony Chapman Door opens for Eze Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish admits Eberechi Eze could be sold. The midfielder is wanted in a £55million deal by Arsenal. Parish said: "Yeah, of course, but players come and go in football clubs. I mean it's a life cycle isn't it? "Hopefully they'll still be here, that's what I'd like." 11th Aug 2025, 19:15 By Anthony Chapman Clubs chase Nelson Reiss Nelson is a target for Fulham this summer. But the Arsenal winger is also being chased by several other sides this summer. Nelson spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage and is open to a return. However, Fulham are dallying over a new deal and that could open the door for a rival to swoop. 11th Aug 2025, 18:30 By Anthony Chapman Eze does it Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a £55million deal for Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace star remains one of Mikel Arteta's top targets this summer. And reports claim Arsenal are nearing an agreement for the versatile midfielder to take their summer spending past the £200m mark. The Gunners have already landed Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer. 11th Aug 2025, 17:50 By Anthony Chapman City want Rodrygo Man City are reportedly lining up a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Brazilian has already been linked with Arsenal this summer. But Fabrizio Romano claims City are now set to move after loaning Jack Grealish to Everton. Savinho could also depart for Tottenham, yet Real Madrid will demand £100million from any suitors. 11th Aug 2025, 17:05 By Alex Smith Injury update Mikel Arteta has revealed that he does expect Leandro Trossard to miss Sunday's Premier League opener against Man Utd. The Belgian forward did not feature in the friendly win over Athletic Bilbao. But he should be back soon after Arteta said: "I think he's going to be [OK] in a few days, yeah, a little niggle in the groin, but he should be fine." 11th Aug 2025, 16:35 By Alex Smith Predictions Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards all reckon Arsenal will fall short of winning the league once again. Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast: "I think they'll challenge. I just think they may fall short again. 'I like all of their signings. I think that's exactly what they needed, and I still don't think they may be finished yet in terms of bringing players in and certainly players going out. 'I've definitely got them in the Champions League, but I just don't see them having enough to win the title – just fall short.' Richards added: "Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive, and not just because he's a big name forward, [but] because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time. 'So Havertz is really good, we're all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line. 'I know he's done really good movement when he plays up there, but he hasn't got a striker's instinct. That's why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special. 'I still don't know if it's enough to get them over the line, I still don't know. I think one or two injuries and they're back to the same as last season, so I'm gonna say challenging, but not champions.' Lineker said: "I think I concur with both of you on that front. I probably wouldn't have said that but Liverpool have strengthened so well." 11th Aug 2025, 16:00 By Alex Smith Gift of the Gab Arsenal fans say Gabriel Magalhaes is winning "off and on the pitch" after his wife Gabrielle Figueiredo showed her support on social media. She posted a video of herself getting ready to head to the Emirates for the pre-season game versus Athletic Bilbao. And Gabrielle, alongside their daughter Maya, showed off the new Arsenal third shirt with "my hubby" No.6 printed on the back. 11th Aug 2025, 12:05 By Alex Smith 'Destroy you' Mikel Arteta fired a warning to the rest of the Premier League that Viktor Gyokeres will "destroy you". The Arsenal boss said after the £63.5m signing got his first Arsenal goal in a friendly win over Athletic Bilbao: "That first goal is always very important. The way he took it as well, really well. "Everything that he does, his movement, timing, the way he predicates the next move, where the space is going to be, that's the instinct he has. That's why he's scored so many goals in the last few seasons. "He pins both centre-backs. He's a player that if you leave him with space one against one, he's gonna destroy you so he's going to create a lot of space for us. "In any situation there is a player there that can score a goal." 11th Aug 2025, 11:30 By Alex Smith Interest in Hein Arsenal are looking to get rid of goalkeeper Karl Hein before the transfer window slams shut on September 1. Spanish side Levante and Scottish giants Rangers want the 23-year-old, who spent last term on loan at Real Valladolid in LaLiga. Arsenal want to sell Hein permanently as his contract ends next summer. 11th Aug 2025, 11:00 By Alex Smith Palace owner on Eze Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish was asked how important keeping Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze at Selhurst Park is. He replied: "Yeah, of course, but players come and go in football clubs. I mean it's a life cycle isn't it? "Hopefully they'll still be here, that's what I'd like." 11th Aug 2025, 10:30 By Alex Smith Domino effect Things are falling into place for Arsenal as they remain keen on Eberechi Eze. They need to get Fabio Vieira off the books and are hopeful Stuttgart come in with a bid worth £17m. The Bundesliga club were only coming in for the Portuguese midfielder should Enzo Millot depart and he has now confirmed his switch to Saudi outfit Al-Ahli over the weekend. This could eventually lead to the Gunners making a late push for Eze to replace Vieira. 11th Aug 2025, 09:55 By Alex Smith More arrivals? Mikel Arteta suggested Arsenal's transfer business is far from done after the friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The boss said: "Let's see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks. 'But, we are actively looking at options. "As well, there are a few players, maybe, that they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens." 11th Aug 2025, 09:22 By Alex Smith Gunners eye Lookman Arsenal appear to have Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze as their No1 target and reportedly have agreed personal terms with the attacking midfielder. But the Gunners remain keen on Atalanta star Ademola Lookman. The Italian side do not want to sell to Inter Milan, who have had a £39m offer rejected. Arsenal could swoop in and bid closer to £44m to get the deal done, according to reports. Lookman has had a public spat with Atalanta and has gone AWOL as he looks to leave this summer. He claims a gentleman's agreement was in place for him to go, while a club chief claims there is but not to another Serie A side. 11th Aug 2025, 08:00 By Laurence Ryan Gunners closing in on star The Gunners are now closing in on the signing of Eze, having struck an agreement on personal terms. A package amounting to £55m deemed to be acceptable by the Eagles. The North London outfit are set to fork out a £30m initial payment, with talks about the structure of the remaining installments still ongoing, while they also remain in direct contact with the player himself. By Kieran Davies Forward would bolster attack Although he is fancied to join Inter Milan, Ademola Lookman certainly would bring something to North London. Since his time in Atalanta, Lookman has added goals to his game. After an impressive season last campaign, it is hard to ignore his stats and what he could bring to this squad. The Gunners would need to act fast to beat Serie A teams to hhis signature. Credit: @FootballFancast 11th Aug 2025, 05:00 By Kieran Davies Fans second guessing manager Arsenal supporters up and down the country will be trying to work out what their starting XI will be at Old Trafford. Many of the positions pick themselves given their transfer dealings. However, the centre of midfield will be interesting with Rice and Odegaard perceived to be guaranteed starters. Who gets the nod to play alongside them will be the intriguing reveal when they face Man Utd.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Decide which route is right for you after GCSEs with our guide on understanding what your main options are
GCSE results day is fast approaching but this year the future is looking a little different for 16 and 17-year-olds. Instead of taking the traditional route of A-levels or technical qualifications, we are seeing more school leavers opting to go straight to work. 5 In 2023, just four per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds went into employment after finishing their GCSEs. But figures from early careers platform reports a near-doubling of enquiries for Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, which are designed for young people leaving school after their GCSEs. 'We're witnessing a significant shift in how young people view their career paths post GCSEs,' says Oliver Sidwell, co-founder of 'With university fees continuing to climb, increasing competition for places and growing concerns about graduate employment prospects, today's students are making pragmatic choices.' And Dan Miller, founder of Young Professionals UK, which places school leavers into professional apprenticeships, has also seen a 'huge rise' in 16 and 17-year-olds eager to get straight to work, fuelled by social media. He said: 'The ever increasing online visibility of successful apprentices and young entrepreneurs are both reshaping what success looks like for this generation.' You must be in full-time education or training until you are 18. So to help you decide which route is right for you, here are your main options after GCSEs. A-LEVELS: Most students take three or four to prepare them for work or Uni, with around 80 subjects on offer nationally. Check with your school or college as to what they offer. APPRENTICESHIPS: The 'earn as you learn' schemes offer real work experience alongside the chance to study for professional qualifications. After GCSEs you will start at Level 2/3 and you can continue up to Level 7, which is equivalent to a masters degree. See apprenticeship. GMB talks to students ahead of GCSE results Cassie Holloway left school at 16 and found an apprenticeship through Young Professionals. Now 19, she is a senior recruitment consultant at Office Angels. Cassie, from Northampton, said: 'I wasn't the most well-behaved or engaged student at school, which meant I didn't achieve the grades I needed to get into sixth form. 'However, finding an apprenticeship changed everything. For the first time, I felt important, I had a real purpose. That gave me the motivation I needed to work hard. 'Apprenticeships offer real-world experience that you simply can't get in a lecture hall. 'Plus, you're earning a proper wage instead of racking up debt — it's a win-win situation. Follow @youngprouk on Instagram for real-time advice, updates and job opportunities. T-LEVELS: A classroom-based alternative to apprenticeships for 16 to 18 year olds, with a 45-day industrial placement. Careers range from science to finance, to creative and design and students are awarded UCAS tariff points in line with 3 A-Levels. Vocational qualifications: Qualifications such as BTECs give young people a broad overview of working in a specific sector, such as business, media, engineering, leisure or science and technology. Autumn resits: Want to improve your GCSE grades? Examination boards offer autumn resists in all subjects. Talk to your school or college. Get help: See or call 0800 100 900. The helpline is free and is open weekdays 8am-8pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm. 5 CLASSY CAREER MOVES LEE BIGGINS, above, left school at 16 and is now an entrepreneur and founder of jobs board CV-Library. Here are his top tips for 16-year-old leavers who are keen to start a 'proper job' immediately. 1. Show you are serious from the start: Dress appropriately for interviews, arrive on time and put effort into every task as first impressions really last. 2. Learn workplace skills: Practice the basics such as answering the phone, greeting customers and clients, allowing you to adapt to different workplace environments. 3. Demonstrate determination: Be dependable, punctual, enthusiastic and willing to learn and adapt – all traits employers value as much as skills in the right profession. 4. Start networking: Stay connected with school friends, colleagues, managers and people you meet through work. 5. Use LinkedIn and industry forums to build relationships that could help in the future. 6. Say yes to new opportunities: If a task or project feels daunting or unfamiliar, give it a go as it is how you will build skills, confidence, tenacity and resilience. 7. Take feedback constructively: Listening, learning and improving will help you progress faster, building resilience and a stronger set of skills going forward. 8. Think beyond your first job: Use the skills and experience you gain to open doors to future opportunities. Train up with Tech SMALL businesses and charities struggling to take on apprentices have been given a lifeline by Virgin Media O2, which a £1million apprenticeship levy fund to train people for roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Organisations can access the fund to cover the cost of training for eligible roles. The programme is designed to support women and people from global majority backgrounds looking to progress in a STEM-based jobs. The fund concept is backed by three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth, who began her career as an apprentice. She said: 'By tackling access and affordability constraints, and targeting underrepresented groups, this scheme can make a huge difference to communities across the country.' Currently, four in five employers say they would be more likely to hire apprentices if additional financial support was available, so the scheme could unlock hundreds of opportunities for young people and career-changers. Employers can apply at: You can make the grade 5 DIDN'T get the grades you wanted? Don't worry, you can always retake to up your score. Here Jacqui Maher, deputy principal at Birmingham's South & City College, shares her GCSE resit guidance. 1. Don't panic – it may feel like the end of the world right now, but it's not a disaster and you're not alone. 2. Even celebrities such as Robbie Williams have spoken about their intention to resit exams. 3. Don't let your results put you off enrolling for a course that will lead to the career of your choice. You can study a resit alongside your vocational programme – it might just take a little longer. 4. Taking resits needn't be an isolating experience. Get in touch with your local further education college as it might offer supported tuition, so regardless of your background or financial position, high- quality tuition is available. 5. Communicate with your teacher about your doubts, try to work on your weaknesses, and be prepared to try out different study techniques until you find what really works for you. 6. Be prepared to put in the time. Resitting either English or maths GCSE without any commitment to studying won't lead to improved results. 7. Seek reassurance in the fact that you're not the first to resit an exam and those who've come before you have often found it a positive experience. On our Get Further programme, students have said: 'Just keep at it. Make sure you get a little bit done every day, attend as much as you can, and really understand it.' Careers in store EVERY little Helps, but Tesco is offering GCSE leavers a lot of extra help with its Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship. Trainees are offered employment alongside studying for a Level 2 National Standard in Retail qualification for the scheme. If needed, you can study for Maths and English Functional Skills, equivalent to GCSEs. Trainees also get a mentor from Lifetime, a manager and colleague buddy to help guide them, plus pastoral support from the King's Trust's Power Up programme. Summer Pleasant took the scheme and now works in the Skegness store. She said: 'It's a real opportunity to take the first steps into a career in the world of retail.' See
