Investors Urge Major UK Companies to Increase Pay for Low-Income Workers

Investors Urge Major UK Companies to Increase Pay for Low-Income Workers

A £2.3 trillion asset group calls for businesses to align wages with inflation and address pay inequalities.

A coalition of 15 investors managing over £2.3 trillion in assets has urged the UK’s largest firms to raise wages for their lowest-paid employees in line with inflation. The group, which includes the investment arms of major insurance companies like Axa, Aviva, and Legal & General, has issued a letter to business leaders setting out their expectations for the year ahead.

The letter, coordinated by the responsible investment organisation ShareAction, calls for action from leading companies, including Tesco, JD Sports, ITV, Boohoo Group, and Entain. These firms are set to face scrutiny at their annual general meetings (AGMs) on how they are addressing the growing wage disparity between high and low earners, especially amidst the rising cost of living.

ShareAction plans to release a list of companies that engage with the investors’ demands at the conclusion of AGM season, usually after May, highlighting their progress and responses. The investors believe that the lowest-paid workers should receive pay increases that at least match the current consumer price inflation rate, which stood at 10.4% in February.

Research has shown that the cost-of-living crisis has hit lower-income households hardest, as they spend a larger share of their income on essentials, such as food and electricity, which have seen significant price increases. A recent report from the Trades Union Congress noted that 2022 saw the worst real wage growth in nearly 50 years, with take-home pay failing to keep up with rising living costs.

Vaidahee Sachdev, senior impact analyst at Aviva Investors, emphasised that businesses must acknowledge their “critical role” in addressing inequality and that their actions are key to ensuring future prosperity. She added that investors must hold companies accountable for contributing to long-term systemic risks, such as widening inequality.

Dan Howard, head of Good Work at ShareAction, warned that the current economic crisis could exacerbate income disparities unless companies take responsibility. “Investors are calling on businesses to provide fair wages and decent contracts across their supply chains, not just to protect workers during the cost-of-living crisis but also to serve the long-term interests of both the business and society,” he said.

He also cautioned that companies that ignore these calls could face increased pressure from shareholders in the future.

Juventus Provide Update on Wojciech Szczesny’s Health After Chest Palpitations During Europa League Match

Juventus Provide Update on Wojciech Szczesny’s Health After Chest Palpitations During Europa League Match

Goalkeeper’s condition reassured after he was substituted in distress during first-leg victory over Sporting.

Juventus have moved to ease concerns over goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after he left the pitch in tears during the first half of their Europa League quarter-final match against Sporting. The former Arsenal keeper, who had been playing in the 44th minute, complained of chest palpitations and was immediately substituted.

However, the club swiftly reassured fans with a statement on social media, confirming that the Poland international had been given a check-up and was “fine.” They wrote: “After an initial examination, everything is OK with Tek (Szczesny).”

Juventus went on to win the match 1-0, with Federico Gatti scoring the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute, giving them a narrow advantage to take into next week’s return leg in Portugal.

Elsewhere in the competition, Manchester United let a commanding lead slip against Sevilla. Leading 2-0 thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer, United were stunned by late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire, resulting in a chaotic 2-2 draw. Concerns were also raised for United as injuries forced key defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez off the field.

Jose Mourinho’s Roma suffered a 1-0 defeat against Feyenoord, with Mats Wieferr scoring the only goal of the match, while Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini missed a first-half penalty. In other Europa League action, Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Union Saint-Gilloise, and West Ham faced Gent in a 1-1 draw in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

Biden Appoints Prominent Figures to New Arts and Humanities Advisory Committee

Biden Appoints Prominent Figures to New Arts and Humanities Advisory Committee

Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, and other luminaries join the President’s committee on cultural affairs.

The White House has unveiled the newest members of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, a prestigious group of influential figures from the arts, academia, and philanthropy tasked with advising President Joe Biden on cultural matters. The committee is co-chaired by Bruce Cohen, the Academy Award-winning producer known for films such as American Beauty and Silver Linings Playbook, and global pop sensation Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta).

Other members selected for the committee include renowned musician Jon Batiste, who performed at a recent state dinner in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron, TV producer Shonda Rhimes, rock legend Joe Walsh, and actors George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Troy Kotsur, and Kerry Washington. The committee also features former Congressman Steve Israel, a Democrat who represented New York in the House of Representatives.

The committee’s executive director, Tsione Wolde-Michael, expressed confidence in the group’s potential, stating, “This committee is poised to have a significant impact on the arts, libraries, museums, and humanities programmes in communities nationwide.”

Many of the appointed members have previously worked with President Biden on important social issues. For example, Lady Gaga collaborated with Biden on the “It’s On Us” campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses. Additionally, television producer Marta Kauffman, also selected for the committee, hosted a fundraiser for First Lady Jill Biden last September.

Study Highlights $82 Million Loss of Natural Gas in Louisiana Due to Wasting Practices

Study Highlights $82 Million Loss of Natural Gas in Louisiana Due to Wasting Practices

Environmentalists urge action on gas leaks, venting, and flaring, which harm both the environment and state revenue.

A recent study released by environmental and government watchdog organisations reveals that Louisiana lost over $82 million in natural gas in 2019, primarily due to leaks, venting, and flaring at production sites. The report, published by the Environmental Defense Fund, indicates that more than 27 billion cubic feet (760 million cubic meters) of natural gas were wasted that year, contributing to both significant economic loss and environmental harm. The state’s tax and royalty revenue was reduced by an estimated $2.5 million as a result.

Methane, a major component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas, and its release into the atmosphere exacerbates climate change. The study found that over 81% of the wasted gas was due to leaks, with less than 1% released through purposeful venting and 19% lost through flaring. The process of venting or burning gas is often carried out for safety or economic reasons but results in substantial waste.

The report states that the amount of lost gas could have met more than two-thirds of Louisiana’s residential natural gas demand for an entire year. The research was conducted by Synapse Energy Economics Inc., a consulting firm with various environmental and governmental clients.

This study comes as the federal Environmental Protection Agency considers new regulations to prevent gas releases, including mandatory inspections of well sites. Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources is also working to develop its own rules to address the issue, with an emphasis on reducing gas emissions, according to spokesperson Patrick Courreges.

Courreges noted that the state is examining successful regulations from other oil-producing states and aiming to apply similar measures in Louisiana. While he did not comment on the study’s findings, he highlighted the state’s goal of ensuring gas remains in the pipelines and is put to productive use.

In addition to addressing ongoing leaks from active sites, the state and federal authorities are focusing on “orphan wells”—abandoned, non-producing wells that continue to leak harmful contaminants. Environmental advocates, including Autumn Hanna of Taxpayers for Common Sense and Jan Moller of the Louisiana Budget Project, have called for updated policies to curb the waste of valuable natural gas.

Hanna remarked, “Outdated policies are preventing billions of dollars in natural gas from reaching the market at a time when both energy security and state budgets are under pressure.” Moller emphasised the impact of this waste on state revenue, adding that the funds lost to gas waste must be replaced by other taxes or result in the loss of funding for critical state programmes.

Prime Minister Sunak Shows Support for Shot PSNI Officer John Caldwell During Belfast Visit

Prime Minister Sunak Shows Support for Shot PSNI Officer John Caldwell During Belfast Visit

Rishi Sunak’s private meeting with Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell follows the officer’s recovery after a terrorist attack earlier this year.

During his recent visit to Belfast to meet with US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took the opportunity to privately visit Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, a senior PSNI officer who was shot earlier this year in Co Tyrone. The visit, which took place at a hospital in the north-west, was not publicly announced by the PSNI, who described it as a private matter.

Liam Kelly, Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, expressed the significance of Sunak’s visit, emphasising the support it offered both to Mr Caldwell and the PSNI officers facing ongoing terrorist threats. Kelly stated, “The Prime Minister’s visit demonstrates his support for John as he recovers from the vicious attack in Omagh. It also reflects his alignment with the officers who continue to work in challenging and dangerous conditions.”

The visit came shortly after US President Biden addressed the attack on Mr Caldwell in his speech at Ulster University. Biden condemned the perpetrators and reiterated that “the enemies of peace will not prevail” in Northern Ireland, highlighting the resilience of the region’s people and leadership.

Earlier this year, Mr Caldwell was critically injured when he was targeted by dissident republicans from the New IRA, a group that opposes the peace process. The shooting has had life-changing consequences for Caldwell, whose recovery is ongoing.

Biden, in his speech, recognised the response of Northern Ireland’s political leaders to the attack, stating that the attack was a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to peace. He remarked, “Northern Ireland will not go back, pray God,” underscoring the necessity of perseverance and hard work in times of fragility.

The region’s terrorism threat level has recently been raised to severe, indicating the high likelihood of future attacks. This heightened concern comes after disturbances in Londonderry over the Easter period, where pipe bombs were found and violence erupted during a republican commemoration.

PSNI to Recover Costs from Security for Good Friday Agreement Anniversary

PSNI to Recover Costs from Security for Good Friday Agreement Anniversary

The policing operation surrounding the 25th anniversary events of the Good Friday Agreement has cost £7 million, with plans to recover some of the expenses.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has announced plans to recover a portion of the £7 million spent on security measures during the 25th anniversary commemorations of the Good Friday Agreement. Following US President Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast, which included a speech at Ulster University, a major policing operation has now concluded.

The PSNI deployed 2,920 officers as part of the operation, including frontline officers, security details, and those providing close protection. This marked the largest security operation in Northern Ireland since the G8 summit in 2013. The operation saw several city centre roads closed, causing some disruption to the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd explained the magnitude of the operation, highlighting the extensive planning involved to ensure the safety of high-profile dignitaries, including President Biden, Prime Minister Sunak, and other key figures. In addition to local officers, 84 mutual aid officers from surrounding areas were brought in to provide specialist support.

Todd expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the public, acknowledging the challenges posed by the necessary road closures and security barriers. He stated that the total cost of the operation was estimated at £7 million, though this figure could change as the final details are reviewed. The PSNI will seek to recover some of these costs in accordance with established arrangements once the operation has concluded.

With road closures now lifted and security measures being removed, attention turns to next week’s visit by former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, along with Prime Minister Sunak, who will attend an international conference in Belfast to mark the anniversary of the peace agreement.

Lily Allen Reflects on Her Regret Over Matching Tattoo with Lindsay Lohan

Lily Allen Reflects on Her Regret Over Matching Tattoo with Lindsay Lohan

The singer reveals her initial excitement quickly turned to frustration after discovering the tattoo was already popularised by Rihanna.

Lily Allen has shared a memorable story from over a decade ago, revealing her one regret about the matching tattoo she got with Lindsay Lohan. Speaking on the Off Menu podcast, the “Smile” singer recounted how, after a night of heavy drinking, she and the actress snuck out of the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles at around 3 a.m. to get tattoos.

Allen explained that she had a busy promotional schedule the next day, with security stationed outside her hotel room due to her previous wild behaviour. However, Lindsay Lohan knew how to escape undetected and came to Allen’s room to take her on an impromptu adventure. The pair jumped over a fence and ran to Shamrock Tattoo Parlour on Sunset Boulevard, where they each got matching tattoos on their index fingers. Initially, the design read “Shhh,” but it was later changed to “1985” to represent Allen’s birth year.

While Allen was initially pleased with the tattoo, her feelings soured when she saw the following day’s headlines claiming she and Lohan had copied Rihanna’s tattoo. “I was really angry with Lindsay,” Allen admitted, “because she sold me the idea as an original, but it had already been done by one of the coolest pop stars.”

To make the tattoo her own, Allen later had it altered to read “1985,” though she’s unsure if Lohan knows about the change. “We haven’t really talked about it,” Allen revealed, though she mentioned that Lohan had recently reached out, wanting to rekindle their friendship. “I’m open to it,” she added.

Stacey Abrams to Join Howard University Faculty as Chair for Race and Black Politics

Stacey Abrams to Join Howard University Faculty as Chair for Race and Black Politics

The political leader and advocate will contribute to shaping public policy discussions and academic initiatives at the historic institution.

Stacey Abrams, the political activist and lawyer from Georgia, will join Howard University in Washington, D.C., as the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics starting in September. This marks a significant step in her post-election career after her unsuccessful bid for Georgia’s governorship in 2022.

Howard University, one of the leading historically Black colleges in the United States, announced that Abrams would not be a full-time faculty member but would contribute in various ways, including delivering lectures, inviting guest speakers, and hosting symposiums. Abrams will collaborate with multiple departments to focus on finding “real-world solutions” to issues affecting Black communities and other marginalised groups. While she will be based in Atlanta, her role at Howard will have a far-reaching impact on students and the wider community.

In a statement, Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick praised Abrams for her role in safeguarding American democracy and representing the fundamental rights of all citizens. Abrams herself expressed excitement about engaging with Howard’s students, emphasising the importance of shaping public policy at this critical juncture for both American and international democracy.

Since her election loss, Abrams has remained active in various fields. She served as an international election observer in Nigeria, promoted her children’s book, “Stacey’s Remarkable Books,” and prepared for the launch of her adult book, “Rogue Justice.” Additionally, she joined Rewiring America as senior counsel to advocate for clean energy initiatives.

Despite her career’s current focus on academia and activism, Abrams has hinted at a possible return to politics. In an interview with Drew Barrymore, she indicated that she may run for office again, stating, “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.”

As a trailblazer in politics, Abrams made history in 2018 as the first Black woman to be nominated for governor by a major party. Though her future political plans remain uncertain, Georgia’s shift towards a Democratic leadership in the Senate, with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock as U.S. senators, reflects her lasting influence.

A graduate of Spelman College, another renowned historically Black institution, Abrams has taught at the college as an adjunct professor. She has also held numerous roles, including as minority leader of the Georgia House, a voting rights advocate, an entrepreneur, and a prolific author. Over the years, Abrams has earned millions from her books and speeches, cementing her as a significant figure in both politics and literature.

The chair she will hold at Howard is named after the late Ronald W. Walters, a legendary figure in political science who taught at Howard and later directed the African American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland. Walters was known for his pivotal role in civil rights activism and his work with the Congressional Black Caucus.

Bridesmaids Spark Controversy After Cutting Their Dresses During Reception

Bridesmaids Spark Controversy After Cutting Their Dresses During Reception

The unexpected dress alterations have sparked a lively debate on wedding etiquette and comfort

A group of bridesmaids have ignited a heated discussion on wedding etiquette after revealing that they cut their dresses during the reception. The footage, shared on TikTok by Emma (@emma.league), shows one bridesmaid cutting a pink, floor-length gown at the slit, while another watches in apparent confusion. The video ends with the bridesmaid cutting off the bottom of the dress.

Emma, who shared the clip, explained that it was her idea to alter the dresses, highlighting the unexpected warm weather on the day of the wedding in South Carolina. “We were expecting it to be cold, but it turned out to be 80 degrees in February,” she said. “Our dresses were long-sleeved and maxi-length, so we were a bit too hot for the reception.”

Emma elaborated on why the alterations made sense for the reception, noting that it allowed the bridesmaids to dance freely without tripping over their long gowns and helped them cool off. “We had so much fun!” she added, sharing a follow-up video of the group in their newly short dresses paired with sneakers and pearls.

The TikTok video quickly went viral, amassing more than 14.1 million views. While some users were perplexed by the decision, with one commenting, “But why… just tie a knot on one side of the bottom?” others praised the bridesmaids’ creativity, with one user calling it a “clever idea” since no one would likely wear the long dresses again.

Emma clarified that the bride was fully aware of the alterations and even reacted with playful shock when she saw the shortened gowns. “She’s my best friend, super chill, and was just happy to be getting married,” Emma shared, explaining that the bride loved the dresses once they were altered.

Wedding planners, such as Marie Kubin from Rent My Wedding, have supported the trend of short bridesmaid dresses, explaining that they are more practical for dancing and can be reused for other events.

Royal Couple Delights in Local Delicacies During Visit to Malton

Royal Couple Delights in Local Delicacies During Visit to Malton

King Charles and Camilla explore Yorkshire’s culinary delights, sampling everything from gin to macarons

King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, indulged in a variety of local treats during their visit to Malton, a renowned food destination in North Yorkshire. The royal couple toured several food and drink producers at Talbot Yard Food Court on Wednesday, where they were introduced to a selection of local products, including gin, gelato, macarons, and banana bread.

Their first stop was the Rare Bird Distillery, where Charles expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Nothing more fun than a gin distillery,” as he entered the venue.

During the visit, the royal couple also explored the area’s diverse offerings, reflecting their support for local craftsmanship and food production.

Following the coronation of King Charles, it was confirmed that Camilla will hold the title of Queen Camilla, cementing her position alongside the King as he embarks on his reign.