Latest news with #KateNicholls
Business News Wales
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Hospitality Sector Ranked Lowest for Hourly Pay, New Data Reveals
Hospitality businesses offer the lowest hourly pay of any UK sector, new research suggests. Business finance experts at business bank accounts said that analysis of ONS data shows that tighter margins mean that hospitality firms are forced to offer staff hardly more than minimum wage. It comes as the UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has criticised the Uk Government's efforts to boost business growth through its recently announced Industrial Strategy, saying it failed to address the challenges facing the hospitality sector. Industries with the lowest hourly pay: The accommodation and food service activities sector makes up a significant part of the UK's economy, with the hospitality sector's annual economic contribution hitting £93 billion in 2023 and estimated to increase by another £29 billion by 2027. Despite this, this industry's workers have the lowest hourly pay rate. An average working week is around 26 hours long, and the average hourly pay is £12.39 – just 18 pence above the national living wage. Businesses within the industry have faced a lot of financial hardship in recent years, the researchers said, including the Covid pandemic and National Insurance increases. This has made improving workers' pay increasingly difficult while still making a profit, contributing to lower hourly rates in the sector. The sector also ranked in the top 10 for the amount of overtime worked, with employees clocking an average of 2.8 hours of overtime per week. Joe Phelan, business bank accounts expert, said: 'Attracting and retaining high-quality talent doesn't just come down to salary – it's also about meeting evolving expectations around working conditions. Today's employees are more willing to walk away from roles that don't offer a healthy work-life balance or prioritise wellbeing. That means businesses need to offer more than just pay; they must create environments with manageable hours, flexibility, and genuine support. 'When companies get this right, they typically see lower staff turnover, higher engagement, and more consistent productivity, all of which feed into more stable operations and healthier cash flow. And with greater financial predictability comes the ability to plan and grow with confidence.'
South Wales Guardian
17-06-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
Temperatures could reach 33C this weekend as heatwave set to hit parts of UK
Forecasters are expecting temperatures to climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England, approaching the highest ever temperature recorded in June – 35.6C in 1976. And yellow heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for most of England from midday on Wednesday until 6pm on Sunday. The alerts, which means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, cover Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, the South East and South West. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said. Will any temperature records be broken this week? 🌡️ Here's our Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley: "Today and tomorrow, we could see a maximum temperatures of 27°C in the south of England, and 29°C on Thursday. "The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday,… — Met Office (@metoffice) June 17, 2025 And some thundery showers could be seen across the far west on Friday night into Saturday. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend. 'Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday. 'The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday. 'Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even 'tropical nights' will also be a feature this week. 'At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk. 'High pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.' The hotter weather is a 'welcome lift' for the hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said. She said: 'This spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors. 'Businesses will now be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures they're contending with. Rain or shine, I'd encourage everyone to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.' Katy Alston, who has been in the ice cream trade for more than 20 years and runs Pinks Parlour near the beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, said this week's weather will be 'the difference between night and day' for her business. She said: 'We get so excited because this is what we wait for. 'People who work in ice cream vans are risk takers because you never know when that big yellow ball is going to come out.' Ms Alston said on Tuesday morning she had 84 inquiries from businesses wanting an ice cream van to visit, which is more than the last month. 'We want to go to as many people as we can,' she said. 'We're now making gelato around the clock, as fast as we're making it, we're selling it. 'It's our Christmas time.' Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: 'For many people, this week will feel like the start of summer with temperatures rising, especially as the sunny weather is expected to continue into the weekend and beyond. 'With hot weather comes the temptation to host BBQs or to head out to one of London's many open spaces to enjoy the sunshine. However, it is important to make sure you are doing so safely. We've had the driest spring in over a century, and the result is a heightened risk of grass fires, while the dry weather also means that fires can spread more easily. 'If you're out in the park or at an open space, please don't take a disposable BBQ with you, make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. If you're having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid having your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden. 'We're also urging landowners and local authorities to take action now by creating fire breaks to protect communities from wildfires this summer. This includes cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.' The Alzheimer's Society is urging people to check in on friends and family living with dementia to make sure they stay safe during the hot weather. Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we're having. However, it's important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.'
North Wales Chronicle
17-06-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Temperatures could reach 33C this weekend as heatwave set to hit parts of UK
Forecasters are expecting temperatures to climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England, approaching the highest ever temperature recorded in June – 35.6C in 1976. And yellow heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for most of England from midday on Wednesday until 6pm on Sunday. The alerts, which means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, cover Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, the South East and South West. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said. Will any temperature records be broken this week? 🌡️ Here's our Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley: "Today and tomorrow, we could see a maximum temperatures of 27°C in the south of England, and 29°C on Thursday. "The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday,… — Met Office (@metoffice) June 17, 2025 And some thundery showers could be seen across the far west on Friday night into Saturday. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend. 'Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday. 'The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday. 'Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even 'tropical nights' will also be a feature this week. 'At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk. 'High pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.' The hotter weather is a 'welcome lift' for the hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said. She said: 'This spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors. 'Businesses will now be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures they're contending with. Rain or shine, I'd encourage everyone to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.' Katy Alston, who has been in the ice cream trade for more than 20 years and runs Pinks Parlour near the beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, said this week's weather will be 'the difference between night and day' for her business. She said: 'We get so excited because this is what we wait for. 'People who work in ice cream vans are risk takers because you never know when that big yellow ball is going to come out.' Ms Alston said on Tuesday morning she had 84 inquiries from businesses wanting an ice cream van to visit, which is more than the last month. 'We want to go to as many people as we can,' she said. 'We're now making gelato around the clock, as fast as we're making it, we're selling it. 'It's our Christmas time.' Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: 'For many people, this week will feel like the start of summer with temperatures rising, especially as the sunny weather is expected to continue into the weekend and beyond. 'With hot weather comes the temptation to host BBQs or to head out to one of London's many open spaces to enjoy the sunshine. However, it is important to make sure you are doing so safely. We've had the driest spring in over a century, and the result is a heightened risk of grass fires, while the dry weather also means that fires can spread more easily. 'If you're out in the park or at an open space, please don't take a disposable BBQ with you, make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. If you're having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid having your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden. 'We're also urging landowners and local authorities to take action now by creating fire breaks to protect communities from wildfires this summer. This includes cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.' The Alzheimer's Society is urging people to check in on friends and family living with dementia to make sure they stay safe during the hot weather. Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we're having. However, it's important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.'
Leader Live
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Leader Live
Temperatures could reach 33C this weekend as heatwave set to hit parts of UK
Forecasters are expecting temperatures to climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England, approaching the highest ever temperature recorded in June – 35.6C in 1976. And yellow heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for most of England from midday on Wednesday until 6pm on Sunday. The alerts, which means there could be an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, cover Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, the South East and South West. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said. Will any temperature records be broken this week? 🌡️ Here's our Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley: "Today and tomorrow, we could see a maximum temperatures of 27°C in the south of England, and 29°C on Thursday. "The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday,… — Met Office (@metoffice) June 17, 2025 And some thundery showers could be seen across the far west on Friday night into Saturday. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend. 'Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday. 'The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday. 'Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even 'tropical nights' will also be a feature this week. 'At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk. 'High pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.' The hotter weather is a 'welcome lift' for the hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said. She said: 'This spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors. 'Businesses will now be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures they're contending with. Rain or shine, I'd encourage everyone to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.' Katy Alston, who has been in the ice cream trade for more than 20 years and runs Pinks Parlour near the beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, said this week's weather will be 'the difference between night and day' for her business. She said: 'We get so excited because this is what we wait for. 'People who work in ice cream vans are risk takers because you never know when that big yellow ball is going to come out.' Ms Alston said on Tuesday morning she had 84 inquiries from businesses wanting an ice cream van to visit, which is more than the last month. 'We want to go to as many people as we can,' she said. 'We're now making gelato around the clock, as fast as we're making it, we're selling it. 'It's our Christmas time.' Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: 'For many people, this week will feel like the start of summer with temperatures rising, especially as the sunny weather is expected to continue into the weekend and beyond. 'With hot weather comes the temptation to host BBQs or to head out to one of London's many open spaces to enjoy the sunshine. However, it is important to make sure you are doing so safely. We've had the driest spring in over a century, and the result is a heightened risk of grass fires, while the dry weather also means that fires can spread more easily. 'If you're out in the park or at an open space, please don't take a disposable BBQ with you, make sure that smoking materials are discarded of properly and either dispose of your rubbish in the appropriate bins or take it home with you if none are available. If you're having a BBQ at home, avoid doing so on a balcony and ensure your BBQ is away from flammable materials like fences and sheds. You should also avoid having your BBQ on any decking you may have in your garden. 'We're also urging landowners and local authorities to take action now by creating fire breaks to protect communities from wildfires this summer. This includes cutting back or ploughing grass, especially where it lies close to properties. These fire breaks can help slow down the spread of fire, as well as protecting people and their properties.' The Alzheimer's Society is urging people to check in on friends and family living with dementia to make sure they stay safe during the hot weather. Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we're having. However, it's important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.'
Rhyl Journal
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Rhyl Journal
Temperatures could reach 33C this weekend as heatwave set to hit parts of UK
Forecasters are expecting temperatures to climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England, approaching the highest ever temperature recorded in June – 35.6C in 1976. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said. Will any temperature records be broken this week? 🌡️ Here's our Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley: "Today and tomorrow, we could see a maximum temperatures of 27°C in the south of England, and 29°C on Thursday. "The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday,… — Met Office (@metoffice) June 17, 2025 And some thundery showers could be seen across the far west on Friday night into Saturday. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend. 'Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday. 'The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday. 'Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even 'tropical nights' will also be a feature this week. 'At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk. 'High pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.' The hotter weather is a 'welcome lift' for the hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said. She said: 'This spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors. 'Businesses will now be hoping for a strong summer to help counterbalance the significant cost pressures they're contending with. Rain or shine, I'd encourage everyone to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.' Katy Alston, who has been in the ice cream trade for more than 20 years and runs Pinks Parlour near the beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, said this week's weather will be 'the difference between night and day' for her business. She said: 'We get so excited because this is what we wait for. 'People who work in ice cream vans are risk takers because you never know when that big yellow ball is going to come out.' Ms Alston said on Tuesday morning she had 84 inquiries from businesses wanting an ice cream van to visit, which is more than the last month. 'We want to go to as many people as we can,' she said. 'We're now making gelato around the clock, as fast as we're making it, we're selling it. 'It's our Christmas time.' Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record. Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: 'Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire, and particularly when that grass is tinder dry the spread of fire can be rapid. We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea. 'Last month, I wrote to the chief executives of each London local authority, outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking.'
