Latest news with #Which
Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
Compensation ‘unlikely' for passengers caught in flight chaos
Hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers hit by flight delays are unlikely to receive compensation, experts have warned. The UK's airspace was closed for over an hour on Wednesday after an air traffic control issue affected the London area, grounding flights across the country. However, consumer group Which? said the issue would be classified as 'extraordinary circumstance' that was out of airlines' control, making compensation claims unlikely to succeed. Cirium, an aviation data company, calculated that more than 3,000 planes were scheduled to depart UK airports that day and a similar number were due to arrive, with a combined total of more than 1.1 million seats. The issue, which came at the start of the school holiday season, was understood to be caused by 'technical issues' as a result of 'radar failure'. It was expected to cause lengthy delays, with some London passengers facing a wait of more than three hours to take-off. Naomi Leach, of Which? Travel, said while they were entitled to some benefits, compensation was unlikely. She said: 'If your flight is cancelled or delayed, you're unlikely to be owed compensation by the airline as the technical issue is considered an 'extraordinary circumstance' and out of the airline's control. 'However, you do have a right to food or a hotel stay depending on the length of the delay, but be sure you keep the receipts as you will need to claim this back from the airline. 'If you are due to travel today or tomorrow, check the advice from your airport or tour operator, or airline apps and airport social media feeds, for the most up-to-date advice.' On its website, the Citizens Advice Bureau also said that passengers were unlikely to get compensation if a delay was outside an airline's control, such as through bad weather or security risks. Thomas Cook advised passengers to contact their airline for guidance. A National Air Traffic Service spokesman said: 'Our engineers have now restored the system that was affected this afternoon. We are in the process of resuming normal operations in the London area. 'We continue to work closely with airline and airport customers to minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.' A similar air traffic control issue grounded flights at UK airports in the summer of 2023. More than 700,000 passengers were stranded when flights were grounded following a technical glitch, with the cost to airlines, airports and passengers and others estimated to be around the £100m mark. Reacting to the latest incident, the chief executive of one major airline called for the resignation of National Air Traffic Service chief executive Martin Rolfe. Neal McMahon, of Ryanair, said: 'It is outrageous that passengers are once again being hit with delays and disruption due to Martin Rolfe's continued mismanagement.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
You're doing your supermarket shop wrong! Experts reveal why you should NEVER buy items at eye-level
It's a weekly chore that many people dread. And now it turns out you've probably been doing your supermarket shop wrong. Experts from Which? have revealed why you should never buy items at eye-level. While these items might look tempting, they're probably a lot more expensive than products stored at less accessible heights. If you really want to bag a bargain, it's best to cast your eyes downwards, according to Which?. 'The most expensive brands are often at eye level, while cheaper products tend to be on the bottom shelves,' the consumer champion explained. 'For example, PG Tips (£2.98 for an 80-pack) commandeered the top three shelves in Asda's tea aisle, while its own-label tea bags sat on the bottom shelves (£2 for an 80-pack). 'And branded doesn't necessarily mean better – Asda's Everyday Tea Bags beat the big-name brands' tea bags in our blind taste test.' Supermarkets use a range of sneaky tactics to try to force shoppers to part with their cash. One of the most manipulative measures is the strategic arrangement of items on supermarket shelves - also known as the 'planogram'. 'A planogram is defined as a 'diagram or model that indicates the placement of retail products on shelves in order to maximise sales',' explained Professor Graham Kendall, Professor of Operations Research at the University of Nottingham in an article for The Conversation. One phrase commonly used within planograms is 'eye level is buy level', according to Professor Kendall. 'Products positioned at eye level are likely to sell better,' he explained. 'You may find that the more expensive options are at eye level or just below, while the store's own brands are placed higher or lower on the shelves. 'Next time you are in a supermarket, just keep note of how many times you need to bend down, or stretch, to reach something you need. You might be surprised.' Beyond the planogram, the location of items in an aisle is also important. 'There is a school of thought that goods placed at the start of an aisle do not sell as well,' Professor Kendall added. 'A customer needs time to adjust to being in the aisle, so it takes a little time before they can decide what to buy.' If you want to avoid getting suckered in by these tactics, the best thing to do is write a shopping list and stick to it, according to Which?. 'Supermarkets use other tactics to encourage us to spend more, too, such as stocking essential items such as milk and eggs at the back of the store and far away from each other,' the consumer champion added. 'Then they stop us in our tracks with brightly coloured signs, end-of-aisle displays and eye-catching special and seasonal offers. 'Avoid being sucked in by writing a shopping list and sticking to it.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I'm a dishwasher engineer – the models to buy and cost £10 per year even if you use them EVERY day
BOUGHT the wrong dishwasher? You'll soon know about it. Instead of sparkling dishes, you might end up with streaky glassware, sky-high bills, and a heap of dirty cutlery. Even worse, some models end up needing fixing every few months, leaving you out of pocket. We spoke to the testing expert at Which? and two leading UK engineers to find out which dishwashers come out sparkling, and which ones will leave you with a sink full of regrets. The Which? verdict Andrew Laughlin is the Which? dishwasher expert, which means he's well-versed in how poor they can be. He said: 'Buy a bad dishwasher and you'll end up having to fall back on washing up by hand, or you'll have to run the dishwasher again, wasting more time, energy and money.' Which? tests dozens of dishwashers every year at its in-house lab, running thousands of dirty plates, glasses, cups and cutlery through each machine. Its experts dirty a range of crockery and cutlery, then score how well the machine cleans, how dry everything is at the end, and whether it leaves watermarks behind. It also checks how easy each machine is to load and use, tests how often the filter needs cleaning, and measures the energy and water used on both auto and eco programmes. Energy and water use are then turned into running cost calculations. Dishwashers that perform well in cleaning, ease of use and efficiency can earn both Best Buy and Eco Buy status. An Eco Buy could save you more than £30 a year in energy. Mum issues urgent warning to 'check fire alarms now' as she shows devastating results of running her dishwasher at night Best buys Miele G 7191 SCVi AutoDos, £1,048, Which? Score: 82% This top-of-the-line fully integrated dishwasher boasts automatic detergent dosing, ComfortClose door, Miele@Home connectivity, and whisper-quiet operation at just 43dB. It's rated B for energy use, consuming just 0.64kWh and 8.4 litres per eco cycle, with annual energy and water costs of around £66. This means it's not only efficient, but long-term affordable. It's currently available for £1,048 at Appliance Centre – a discount of over £500 off the RRP. Which? verdict 'Flawless cleaning. Although the price tag will put a dent in your wallet, this high-quality Miele will put a lean, mean, cleaning machine in your kitchen. "If you want a premium integrated dishwasher, look no further.' Pros - Flawless cleaning Cons - Nothing of note Bosch SMS4EMW06G, £549, Which? Score: 80% This freestanding Bosch model balances performance and features at a mid-range price point. It includes Home Connect smart features, SpeedPerfect Plus for faster washes, and Extra Dry for added hygiene. Rated C for energy, it uses 0.79kWh and 9.5 litres per auto cycle – working out to annual running costs of around £69.23, according to Which?. Available to buy at Which? verdict "Lean, mean, dishwashing machine. Although its price is rather high, overall this Bosch dishwasher is worth the investment. "It combines Best Buy cleaning and drying, with simple usability and Eco Buy efficiency.' Pros - Good cleaning Cons - Noisy Best to avoid Hoover HDPH 2D1049W-80 – £249, test score 39% This slimline Hoover model is one of the cheapest on the market – and unfortunately, one of the worst performing too. Which? verdict 'Avoid. A bargain this is not. It fails to clean everything, leaving dried-on dirt on many dishes. "If it was wonderfully energy efficient, we might be able to excuse this, but it's not. "It actually uses more energy than most (doing what, we don't know). "Add on that it's noisy and tricky to use, and we have no option but to make it a Don't Buy.' Pros - It's cheap (and that's about it) Cons - Really bad at washing, inefficient with energy CDA CDI6242 – £455, test score 43% This integrated, full-sized dishwasher may seem affordable, but its low Which? score and serious performance flaws make it one to avoid. Which? verdict 'This dishwasher cleans and dries so poorly we've made it a Don't Buy. As such, it's one to avoid at all costs.' Pros - good energy and water efficiency Cons - poor cleaning, dismal drying, noisy Which? expert tips for using your dishwasher properly Don't rinse the plates – Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won't need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap. Don't bother with the detergent dispenser – Logic dictates that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It will still work. Don't skip maintenance – That means topping up your rinse aid and salt, regularly cleaning the filter, and periodically maintaining other aspects of the machine, such as the spray arms and door seals. You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria. Stack like a pro – Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm. Anything that needs harder cleaning, such as baking trays or pots and pans, goes on the lower rack where the water pressure is higher whereas more delicate items, including glasses, mugs and cups, go on the upper rack. The same goes for plastic items and containers, as well as large utensils. Leave enough space between items for the water and detergent to spread around – alternating larger and smaller plates in the rack will help with this. Watch out for spoons 'nesting' in the cutlery basket – when this happens, there's no space for the water to circulate. To avoid this, place some facing upwards and some downwards. Make use of the adjustable racks – The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass. The engineer's verdict Steve Neale, founder of repair business The London Spin Doctor, has seen the worst of and dishwashers and warns that buying cheap, usually means buying twice, and more quickly than you might think. He said: 'If you buy a dishwasher for £200, it's going to last you less than five years. "If you spend around 400, 500, you should have the machine for at least 10." When it comes to picking a good machine, he said brand is important, as is ease of repair. He said: "Every machine in the world is going to break, but you want one that's cheaply repairable. That's the key. "So, I always recommend Bosch machines simply because they're quiet. They're really well-built and they're always repairable.' Steve's brands to buy: Bosch Beko (best on a budget) Neff Siemens Steve's brands to avoid: Indesit Hoover Candy Hotpoint AEG When it comes to upkeep, Steve said that many of the callouts he gets could have been avoided with better use. He said: '90% of the dishwasher repairs that I do are down to user error rather than mechanical failure. "Which means basically they've they haven't scraped their plates. So, for example, sweetcorn, eggshell, fish bones, chicken bones. "You have to scrape them off your plates because the dishwasher can't break those things down.' He added that another common is blocking one or both of the spray arms, for instance by having a long spatula poking through the top. This stops the dishwasher from cleaning properly. Key features to look for in a dishwasher Rado Domev, CTO at appliance repair company Domex, said choosing the right dishwasher for your needs is not just about brand – it's about smart features and long-term usability. For instance, he tends to recommend models with higher capacity. He explained: 'Full size dishwashers could vary from 12 to 16 place setting. Higher capacity allows you to wash more dishes per cycle, saving water and electricity in the long run.'. His other must-have features include: Half Load Option: A half load setting offers great versatility. If you only have a few items, you can run a smaller, more efficient cycle, avoiding wasted water and energy. Separate Cutlery Tray: Dishwashers with a separate cutlery tray at the top often provide superior wash results for your silverware. Plus, it frees up valuable space in the bottom rack for larger pots and pans. Flood Protection: This is a crucial safety feature. Models with flood protection can prevent significant water damage to your property in case of a leak, offering peace of mind. What not to overspend on Rado warned not to obsess over efficiency ratings alone. He said: 'Don't let energy efficiency ratings be your sole focus. "While important, the real-world running cost difference between an A and B rated model might only be around £10 per year if used daily. "The upfront cost difference for a slightly more efficient model often doesn't justify this minimal annual saving.' He also recommended ditching models with limited wash programmes. He said: 'Avoid models with only 3 or 4 basic programs. "A poor choice of programs might force you to use longer, more intensive cycles for lightly soiled dishes, wasting time and resources. "Look for dishwashers with a variety of settings to match different cleaning needs.' Rado's top maintenance tips To ensure your dishwasher performs at its best and lasts longer, follow these maintenance tips: Always Use Dishwasher Salt: This is critical, regardless of the type of dishwasher tablet you use. Dishwashers require salt to regenerate their water softener resin, which prevents limescale buildup and ensures effective cleaning. Set Correct Water Hardness: Adjust your dishwasher's water hardness setting to match your local water supply. This optimises the performance of the detergent and softener. Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to regularly clean the filters and degrease the appliance. This prevents blockages, maintains wash performance, and extends the life of your dishwasher. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
‘Do not pack' warning over popular kids' swimwear colour this summer – and there's more than one you need to avoid
PARENTS are being warned about a hidden danger lurking in plain sight – the colour of their children's swimwear. So if you're lucky enough to be heading on holiday this summer, then you'll need to listen up and take notes. 1 Kids Swimwear Colour As the summer holidays get underway, UK families are getting ready for a much-needed getaway to sunny beaches and waterparks. However, parents planning to take their youngsters for a swim should pay attention to the colour of their child's swimming costume as it could be a lifesaver. The consumer watchdog Which? has issued a warning via Instagram, revealing that the shade of a swimsuit can make all the difference in a life or death situation, reports the Express. Alive Solutions conducted tests on various colours and patterns in both open waters and swimming pools to assess visibility and Which? alerted its followers with a stern message. Which? stated: "The colour of your kid's swimsuit could save their life. "If you're buying a swimming costume for your child, you should choose a bright neon block colour." They explained that vibrant neon colours remain highly visible underwater. But pale blues and whites can become almost invisible, making it difficult to spot a child in distress so do not pack them. Visibility Tests The video shows a series of tests evaluating swimwear visibility from different angles. This includes surface level, shore perspective, and from above a shallow depth of two feet. Three new family-friendly summer events that kids will love from Disney hunt to walking tour However, many costumes were found to be "barely visible". The best choices for maximum visibility were neon yellow, green, and orange, while other colours simply faded away. The organisation noted: "While the darker colours could be seen, they could easily be mistaken for shadow or dirt." Alive Solutions' research indicated that solid colours are more visible than patterns, with neon shades being the most detectable. Tips to Keep Children Safe in Water IF you are going on holiday this year and want to keep your kids safe when in water, here are some important things to note. Constant Supervision: Always keep a close watch on children when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions like phones or books. Learn CPR: Take a CPR course to be prepared for emergencies. Ensure that any caregivers or babysitters also know CPR. Swim Lessons: Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons. Encourage them to practice regularly to build confidence and skills. Use Life Jackets: Ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or near open bodies of water. Do not rely solely on inflatable toys or floaties for safety. Establish Water Rules: Set and enforce rules such as no running near the pool, no diving in shallow water, and swimming only with adult supervision. Secure Pools: Install barriers around pools, such as fences with self-latching gates. Use pool covers and alarms to provide additional layers of security. Educate About Water Hazards: Teach children about the dangers of drains and suction outlets in pools and hot tubs. Explain the risks of natural water bodies like currents, tides, and underwater obstacles. Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: Ensure children drink plenty of water and take breaks to avoid dehydration. Apply waterproof sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Buddy System: Encourage the buddy system where children swim in pairs or groups, ensuring they look out for each other. Check Water Depth and Conditions: Verify the depth of the water and check for any hazards before allowing children to enter. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid swimming during storms or strong currents. By following these tips, you can significantly enhance the safety of children in and around water, ensuring they have a fun and secure experience. The study also found that small patterns don't significantly affect visibility regardless of their colour. Conversely, large dark patterns were shown to greatly diminish how noticeable swimwear is. For example, a plain neon orange swimsuit is more visible against a dark pool bottom compared to one with large navy stripes. Other Fab Parenting News Taking your family away on holiday can be expensive - but one savvy single mum shared how she did it for just £22 per person. Charlene Woracker, who has four children, revealed how she found a dream caravan holiday in St Ives for the bargain price. A Celebrity Big Brother star and internet personality has revealed the birth of her third child. YouTube and podcast star Trisha Paytas, 36, has finally given birth to her third child, a son. But people cry her child's name is "Horrendous – what is wrong with you?" And a mum has hit back after being torn apart for the gifts she got her kid's teacher. Heidi Powell, an influencer and mum-of-four shared an image of the goodies to social media.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- The Sun
Big name beauty products sold on Amazon and Vinted found to be FAKE as shoppers warned over chemical burns
BRANDED beauty products being sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay have been found to be fake. An investigation by Which? has revealed that at least two thirds of cosmetics advertised as being from big brands, including Charlotte Tilbury, MAC and Maybelline, sold on the platforms could be counterfeit. 3 3 3 The consumer champions warned of the "grave" dangers of buying fake cosmetics, which have previously been found to contain toxic chemicals such as arsenic and lead, and even animal poo and urine. Fake products could also cause skin irritation, infections, or even chemical burns, they warned, as they may be incorrectly formulated and don't undergo strict safety checks. Which? researchers bought 34 makeup and skincare products from third party sellers on Amazon, eBay, Tiktok Shop and Vinted. They carried out visual checks on the packaging and contents, and compared them with the genuine products bought from trusted retailers. It found that 23 of the 34 products bought (67%) were likely to be counterfeit. This included four out of 11 products bought from Amazon, eight out of 11 products from eBay, five out of six products from TikTok shop, and six out of six items bought from Vinted. The cosmetics purchased were advertised as being from household names including Charlotte Tilbury, La Roche-Posay, Maybelline, The Ordinary and MAC. In one instance, the researchers said a tube of La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum (RRP £40) purchased on Vinted for just £12 smelled "suspiciously like shampoo". They also noticed that the sample bought from Vinted had completely different text on the side of the box. Meanwhile, a tube of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (RRP £12.99) bought from Tiktok Shop for £8.07 had an "incorrect label on the bottom of the tube, and other inconsistencies in the design". Primark drops Milk Makeup 'jelly tint' dupe that works on lips and face... and is £20 cheaper than the real deal Which? also bought The Ordinary Niacinamide serum (RRP £5) from eBay (£5.99), Tiktok Shop (£2.45) and Vinted (£6), and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (RRP £8.80) from eBay for £5.98. It said they "all seemed obviously fake, with the consistency and colour of the liquid in the bottles markedly different to the genuine samples". "Some also used a different font on either the box or bottle," it said. Many of the dupes were difficult to spot, Which? said, and were only noticeable when they were compared directly with the genuine products. For example, a bottle of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (RRP £32.99) bought from Amazon for an inflated price of £37.90 looked genuine from the outside. But researchers noticed it had a different scent to the original. Similarly, a MAC Macximal silky matte lipstick in shade Ruby Woo (RRP £25) bought from Vinted for £15 arrived in packaging very similar to the genuine version. But when closely compared, the lipstick bullet was "subtly different with a smudged logo that didn't match up with the original". Which? director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said: 'It's alarming that Which? was able to find such high volumes of what appeared to be potentially dangerous counterfeit cosmetics on popular online marketplaces, where teenagers in particular are likely to be enticed by what seem to be big discounts on popular brands. 'Consumers should be as confident in the products they buy online as the items that they purchase on the high street, but in reality they risk buying untested, unregulated and potentially toxic cosmetics. 'The government must ensure there are clear duties on online marketplaces to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods, and urgently commit to the reforms needed to ensure our consumer enforcement system is fit for the 21st century." Director general of The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, Phil Lewis, said that even on cheaper fake products the profit margins are "extremely high", meaning consumers should be on their guard even if discounts seem more realistic. How to avoid fake makeup products online Which? has given its top tips on how to avoid falling victim to fake product scams. Buy direct or from an affiliated retailer or from one of their approved stockists, Which? says. Some brands also sell via online platforms, Maybelline and The Ordinary have stores on Tiktok Shop for example. Be careful when buying popular products or those that have sold out elsewhere. Bad actors can often take advantage where there's high demand. Check the product and seller reviews, as other buyers often flag issues with fake products. But keep in mind that bad actors may also use fake positive reviews to hide negative ratings, so be sure to read reviews from a variety of star ratings. Check who is dispatching the product. Which? recommend checking who the product is being dispatched by before buying, for example products on Amazon or Tiktok may come either directly from the seller or be distributed by the platform. While buying a product being dispatched by the platform isn't a guarantee, it is an extra barrier between sellers and buyers. An Amazon spokesperson said: 'We have a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeits and have proactive measures in place to prevent counterfeit products being listed." It added that "three of the offers in question have been removed while we investigate.' An eBay spokesperson said: 'The sale of counterfeit items is strictly prohibited on eBay and we proactively block millions of counterfeit items every year. 'In the rare instance that a counterfeit item is listed, brands and other intellectual property rights owners can use our VeRO Program to report them. "We then investigate these reports and take the appropriate action, which may include ending listings and suspending seller accounts.' A spokesperson for L'oreal Groupe, the parent group for Cerave, La Roche Posay, L'oreal and Maybelline said: 'L'Oréal Groupe takes the threat of counterfeit products very seriously. We are committed to the fight against counterfeiting to protect consumer health and safety, and the integrity of our brands. 'We actively collaborate with law enforcement agencies worldwide and with online platforms, helping them to identify and seize counterfeit products, and to dismantle the criminal networks involved in this illegal trade." Tiktok told Which? it does not allow counterfeit products to be sold on the platform and takes strict action against sellers infringing IPR. MAC directed Which? to a webpage setting out their approach to counterfeit products. A Vinted spokesperson said: 'Selling counterfeit items is strictly prohibited on Vinted and we're committed to fighting this issue, which we recognise is a challenge for much of the beauty industry. "We have policies in place to protect our members and encourage them to report any account which may be violating our guidelines, so that we can take appropriate action.'
