Latest news with #TUPE
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Cardiff buses in danger of grinding to a halt within weeks
Cardiff buses in danger of grinding to a halt within weeks More than 450 staff have been balloted for strike action over pay and conditions The Cardiff Bus Interchange in Central Square (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People who use Cardiff Bus services may be set to face disruption as workers ballot for a strike over pay and conditions More than 450 Unite members, including drivers, are taking part in the ballot. The workers are employed by Cardiff City Transport Services, known as Cardiff Bus, the main operator of bus routes in Cardiff and surrounding areas, including Barry and Penarth. The ballot closes on July 22. If strike action is approved, it could begin in early August and would mark the first industrial action at Cardiff Bus in 10 years. Workers involved include drivers, garage operatives, and engineers. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Unite said members had rejected the company's latest pay offer, which it claimed left driver wages below levels in the rest of the UK. The union's general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: 'Our hardworking members deserve better. Article continues below "Cardiff Bus is ignoring low pay rates. Workers must not be left in financial misery while performing a vital frontline service. Unite will back our members in this dispute.' The dispute also involves working conditions. Unite has highlighted ongoing timetabling issues that it claims prevent workers from taking proper breaks, causing fatigue, and long walking distances to the break facilities. Sick pay rates are also a point of contention. With the Bill for Franchising bus services in Wales expected to receive Royal Assent in early 2026, concerns have been raised about a potential 'race to the bottom' on pay and conditions. Unite has claimed that franchising could increase transfers of workers between companies under TUPE rules, risking the creation of two-tier pay systems if not properly managed. Unite points to Cardiff Bus itself, where it claims 15 members working on contracted routes affiliated with local NHS hospitals have been excluded from local agreements, facing longer hours than their colleagues. Unite Wales regional officer Alan McCarthy said: 'Members in Cardiff Bus have worked tirelessly for this company, and should be properly rewarded. "They should not find themselves struggling to make ends meet, be separated from their colleagues in negotiations, fearing a substantial loss of pay if they become sick, or face having their rest breaks jeopardised because the employer is struggling with timetables. "We are on the verge of franchising in Wales. Workers should not have to pay for it.' Article continues below WalesOnline has contacted Cardiff Bus for comment.
The National
28-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Irn-Bru owner in 'advanced talks' with buyer for Strathmore Water
The news put 23 jobs at its production site in Forfar at risk of redundancy, the firm said in a statement at the time. Following the shock announcement, a brief stock exchange filing showed that AG Barr had said that discussions with an unnamed third party had begun. READ MORE: Scottish city's council warns of parking scam messages amid ongoing cyber incident But the soft drinks firm said there could be 'no certainty a transaction will ultimately occur', The Courier reported. However, according to the newspaper, talks have since advanced, and AG Barr is hoping to strike a deal which could bring fresh investment in the brand. An AG Barr spokesperson told The Courier: 'We are pleased to have found a prospective buyer for Strathmore Water that is committed to protecting jobs and intends to invest in the site to secure its future. 'Both parties are engaged, the deal is progressing.' The company added: 'TUPE consultations are underway and we will continue to support our Strathmore employees through this period of transition.' The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations are designed to protect employees' rights in a business transfer. TUPE ensures that jobs, terms and conditions, and continuity of employment are safeguarded. Earlier this year AG Barr recorded a 15.8% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit, reaching £58.5 million for the year ending January 25, 2025. The firm said it had seen growth of 4.6% in soft drinks volume, with strong performances from Rubicon and Irn-Bru helping boost revenues to £420.4m – up from £400m last year. At the time of the announcement, Euan Sutherland, AG Barr chief executive (below), said: '2024/25 was a successful year for the company. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues across the business who delivered these excellent financial results. (Image: AG Barr) 'Looking forward, we have a refreshed strategy centred on growth and are committed to our long-term financial targets. 'I am confident that successful execution of our plans will see another year of positive progress towards our long-term goals.' AG Barr said Strathmore had 'struggled to compete' in the bottled water market in recent years. The Scottish firm acquired the former Strathmore Spring Water business from US owners for £15.5m in 2006. Following the news of AG Barr planning to close the Strathmore Water site, Mairi Gougeon, the Rural Affairs Secretary and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, said she had written to the firm raising concerns about the planned closures, considering the firm's otherwise strong performance. She said: 'This news is incredibly disappointing for Forfar and the wider Angus area. 'To hear that such a highly regarded employer as Strathmore Water is potentially facing closure, especially when the parent company is reporting strong financial performance, is difficult to understand. 'I have already taken action and written to AG Barr, Angus Council, and the Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur MSP, to understand the full implications of this announcement and to ensure that all available support is offered to the affected workforce.'
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landmark town centre pub up for sale for £385k
A PROMINENT Dudley pub has gone up for sale for offers over £385k. The Court House on New Street is for sale, with notes stating that staff would be transferred to the new owner on completion. Sales notes state that it is a "substantial handsome building within Dudley town centre." They go on to say that the pub has an open plan bar, separate snug, seating for 115 customers, a large function room on the first floor with a bar and catering kitchen. It also has four-bedroom living accommodation on the second floor. Sales notes state that there is "planning consent for seven bedsits / flats on upper floors. "All staff employed at the property will transfer on completion under the TUPE regulations. "A staff schedule will be made available. "Freehold offers are invited in excess of £395,000." The pub is being marketed by Matthew Phillips Surveyors in Lichfield.
