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The UK government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill, promising significant reforms to workers' rights, including protections against unfair dismissal from day one, improved sick pay, and parental leave. The bill aims to end exploitative practices like zero-hours contracts and 'fire and rehire' tactics, marking a major shift in employment law.
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The UK Food Standards Agency has issued multiple food recalls due to potential peanut contamination in various products, including items from Asda, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer. Consumers are advised to return affected products for refunds, as these recalls stem from mustard ingredients traced to a supplier in India, raising serious allergy concerns.
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A recent investigation reveals that 70% of soft plastics collected by UK supermarkets are incinerated rather than recycled. This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of supermarket recycling schemes and highlights the challenges of soft plastic recycling, which is often economically unfeasible. The situation is compounded by the upcoming California law banning all plastic shopping bags in 2026, aiming to address similar issues in the U.S.
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A recent BBC Panorama investigation revealed that many Tesco products contain significantly less of their main ingredients compared to Aldi counterparts. This raises questions about the value of Tesco's price-matching strategy, which aims to compete with discount retailers amid rising living costs.
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As of October 11, 2024, several high street retailers, including Boots, Cineworld, and Tesco, are closing stores across the UK. This trend reflects ongoing challenges in the retail sector, with over 54,600 jobs lost in nearly 5,000 closures in 2024 alone. Local communities express concern over the future of their high streets.
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Coles and Woolworths are under investigation by the ACCC for allegedly misleading consumers about pricing through deceptive discount practices. This follows a report revealing Aldi as the cheapest supermarket in Australia, while UK convenience stores show significant price markups compared to larger supermarkets. The situation highlights growing concerns over food affordability and transparency in the retail sector.
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Dobbies Garden Centres plans to close 17 of its 77 stores, impacting 465 jobs, as part of a restructuring effort to regain profitability. The closures, including 11 larger sites and six smaller branches, are due by year-end and require creditor approval. The company aims to reduce rent costs amid challenging market conditions.
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California has enacted a law banning misleading food labels like 'sell by' and 'best before' to reduce food waste and emissions. The law, effective July 2026, mandates clearer labeling standards, aiming to alleviate consumer confusion and promote sustainability.