Britain’s workplace safety watchdog
Leaseholders face rising charges and safety concerns as England’s leasehold system undergoes reform discussions; rooftop developments threaten homes, with councils and regulators facing scrutiny and residents urging stronger protections.
A wave of heat-related challenges is unfolding as global households face rising energy bills, with heat waves intensifying the demand for cooling. Governments are weighing support for low-income families while debates over air conditioning and fan use continue across regions.
Green MPs and unions are pressing for legally binding maximum indoor temperatures amid recurring heatwaves. Legislation would create an independent body to set safe thresholds and detail implementation, with cross-party backing and comparisons to Spain. Government says it will study the issue further.
A series of articles shows the impact of unusual heat in July 2026: posties, carers, shop staff and farmers face longer hours, dehydration risks, and cooling challenges. Debates grow over maximum workplace temperatures as policymakers and unions push for safeguards amid a changing climate.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have had plans to switch to an expenses-only model halted. Current arrangements remain, with further engagement planned to understand how CROs can be recognised and rewarded. The change was scrapped after pressure from MPs, unions and coastguard volunteers who warned the move would damage public safety.
A fertiliser explosion has ignited a large, rapidly developing fire at Highlands Farm near Rettendon, Essex, prompting a major incident. Over 100 firefighters have tackled the blaze, with several hospitalisations and ongoing recovery and investigation efforts.
Unite has expanded a series of heat-related strikes by Arriva North London drivers. With cabs exceeding 40C in heatwaves, drivers call for full air conditioning. TfL warns routes will face disruption while management says improvements are underway.
A gas explosion on Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes has damaged a bungalow and left a man injured. Neighbours reported smelling gas before the blast; flames and smoke followed, with authorities investigating.
An inquest has opened into the death of John Orton, a 78-year-old retiree who died from severe chest injuries after being trampled by cattle at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk, on July 13. The post-mortem provisional cause is severe chest injuries. The inquest was opened in Norfolk Coroner's Court and is adjourned until next year as investigations continue.
A gas explosion in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes has left one man injured and 24 nearby properties evacuated. Authorities are leading the investigation, with SGN coordinating emergency response and a 50‑metre cordon in place. The blast prompted nearby residents to shelter in hotels or with relatives.
A series of court cases have convicted contractors and managers after fatal workplace incidents. In Surrey, a trench collapse at a Banstead site has led to fines and a suspended sentence; in Aberdeen and Romford, HSE investigations and penalties followed fatal falls and safety breaches; a Bristol dog attack case adds a separate public-safety note.
The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone has seen a large fire that forced about 280 guests to evacuate. Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirms the blaze started in the basement; police are treating it as suspicious. A welfare centre is assisting evacuees as investigations continue.
Two firms have been fined a combined £1.3m in a London court after a 2018 incident at The Corniche, Vauxhall, killed coach driver Mick Ferris. A 130kg pane fell from a 26-storey high building, prompting safety breaches findings and costs against St James Group Ltd and Lindner Prater. The incident followed a near-miss in 2017.