Category: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Minister appoints new Competition Appeal Tribunal members

The new members are:

  • Mrs Jane Burgess
  • Mr Michael Cutting
  • Mr Paul Dollman
  • Mr Tim Frazer
  • Professor Robin Mason
  • Mr Derek Ridyard
  • Mr Timothy Sawyer CBE

Notes to editors

  1. Ordinary members are selected for their expertise in law, business, accountancy, economics and other related fields. Prior to the making of these appointments, the Tribunal’s panel of ordinary members consisted of 26 members (11 of whose terms of appointment will end on 3 January 2019).
  2. The new members are appointed for 8 years and paid according to the amount of time that they spend working for the Tribunal, based on a daily rate of £400. The appointments carry no right of pension, gratuity or allowance on their termination.
  3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity to be made public. None of the new members are politically active.
  4. Although these appointments do not come within the remit of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA), they have been made following OCPA best practice.
  5. The Tribunal is a specialist judicial body with cross-disciplinary expertise in law, economics, business and accountancy. It consists of the President, Chairmen, who are appointed by the Lord Chancellor, and the panel of ordinary members. Cases are heard before a Tribunal consisting of 3 members: either the President or a member of the panel of Chairmen and two ordinary members.

About the new members

Jane Burgess

Jane Burgess has been with the John Lewis Partnership since 1993 first starting as staff and training manager and her last position was as Partners’ Counsellor on the board which she relinquished in October 2017. Her current appointments are as a Lay Member on the House of Commons Committee on Standards, a Commissioner for the Civil Service Commission and a member of the Business Advisory Board at Surrey Business School. Her appointment as an ordinary member will commence in February 2018.

Michael Cutting

Michael Cutting has been a partner of Linklaters LLP since 1995. He has specialised in UK and EU competition law and the law relating to the economic regulation of utilities since qualifying as a solicitor in 1988. His appointment as an ordinary member will commence in October 2018.

Paul Dollman

Paul Dollman is now retired and is currently Audit Committee chairman for Wilmington PLC, Verastar and Arqiva. He is also a non-executive director of Scottish Amicable, a member of the Audit Committee of the National Library of Scotland, honorary teaching fellow at the University of St Andrews Business School and Governor of the Edinburgh Academy of St Leonards School. His most recent role before he retired was group finance director at John Menzies PLC between 2002 and 2013. His appointment as an ordinary member will commence in February 2018.

Tim Frazer

Tim Frazer was a partner at Arnold & Porter LLP (now Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP) from 1999, during which time he advised on both conduct and merger cases in the EU and UK, and on compliance and audit processes in various jurisdictions worldwide that have adopted the EU approach to competition law. He was previously at Newcastle University, between 1980 and 1997, as Lecturer in Law, Dean of Law and Professor of Law. He is the author of a number of textbooks on competition law. His appointment as an ordinary member will commence in February 2018.

Robin Mason

Professor Robin Mason is Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Birmingham. He was previously Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean (Business School) of the University of Exeter, as well as Professor of Economics. His area of expertise is industrial organisation in general, and in particular the economics of regulation and competition. He has provided expert advice for a number of regulators, in the UK and internationally, on competition matters and spectrum auctions and has advised the Prime Minister of Mauritius on competition legislation. His appointment as an ordinary member will commence in February 2018.

Derek Ridyard

Derek Ridyard is one of the founders of RBB Economics LLP. His active involvement at RBB will cease when his appointment as an ordinary member commences in February 2018. He has 30 years’ experience working in private practice specialising as an expert on the economics of competition, trade, regulation and intellectual property. He holds a BSc in Economics from Southampton University and an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics. Prior to co-funding RBB Economics, he worked for 15 years in the competition practice at economic consultants NERA, and for five years in the UK Government Economic Service, including spells working as an economist at the Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Timothy Sawyer

Timothy Sawyer is an executive with expertise in turnaround, start-up and growth opportunities having both a UK and international perspective. He is currently Chief Investment Officer at Innovate UK and was formerly Chief Executive Officer of Start-Up Loans and Chairman of Folk2Folk. He was awarded a CBE for services to Government and small business in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2016. He has been Executive Director of Cahoot and Ivobank and Non-Executive Director of Banque Dubois, China PNR, Visa UK, Link, Eftpos UK, Card Payment Group. His appointment as an ordinary member will commence in February 2018.

Link: Press release: Minister appoints new Competition Appeal Tribunal members
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Foreign Secretary to visit Oman, Iran and United Arab Emirates

Updated: Added translation

The Foreign Secretary will meet with senior figures in all three countries to discuss a range of issues including the future of the Iran nuclear deal, how to bring an end to the conflict in Yemen and ease the desperate humanitarian suffering there and the current tensions in the region.

This trip will be the first of a British Foreign Secretary to Iran since 2015 and only the third since 2003. In Iran the Foreign Secretary will meet with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to discuss the bilateral relationship and regional security issues. The Foreign Secretary will raise again concerns about a number of consular cases involving dual nationals and press for their release on humanitarian grounds.

An FCO spokesperson said:

This visit comes at a crucial time for the Gulf region and provides an opportunity to discuss a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen, the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the current volatility in the Middle East.

This is the first visit of the Foreign Secretary to Iran and we expect talks to cover a wide range of issues from the bilateral relationship to regional security. The government remains very concerned about all our dual nationals detained in Iran and has been doing everything it can to make progress on their cases, while approaching them in a way that we judge is in their best interests. The Foreign Secretary will urge the Iranians to release dual nationals where there are humanitarian grounds to do so.

Further information

Media enquiries

For journalists

Link: Press release: Foreign Secretary to visit Oman, Iran and United Arab Emirates
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: £1.7m back pay identified for a record 16,000 workers as 260 employers are named and shamed for underpaying minimum wage rates

  • government has identified £1.7 million in back pay for 16,000 workers – more workers than in any previous naming round
  • 260 employers named and fined a total of £1.3 million for underpaying the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) today (8 December 2017) named 260 employers for failing to pay 16,000 workers at least minimum wage rates.

Government investigators identified £1.7 million in back pay for some of the UK’s lowest paid workers and fined employers £1.3 million for underpayment.

Retail, hairdressing and hospitality businesses were among the most prolific offenders in this round. Common reasons for errors made include: failing to pay workers travelling between jobs, deducting money from pay for uniforms and not paying for overtime.

Business Minister Margot James said:

There is no excuse for not paying staff the wages they’re entitled to and the government will come down hard on businesses that break the rules.

That’s why today we are naming hundreds of employers who have been short changing their workers; and to ensure there are consequences for their wallets as well as their reputation, we’ve levied millions in back pay and fines.

Bryan Sanderson, Chairman of the Low Pay Commission, said:

The Low Pay Commission’s conversations with employers suggest that the risk of being named is encouraging businesses to focus on compliance.

Further, it is good to see that HMRC continues to target large employers who have underpaid a large number of workers, as well as cases involving only a few workers, where workers are at risk of the most serious exploitation. It is imperative that the government keeps up the pressure on all employers who commit breaches of minimum wage law.

If workers are concerned they are not being paid the correct rates then they can seek advice from workplace experts Acas.

Since 2013, the scheme has identified £8 million in back pay for 58,000 workers, with 1,500 employers fined a total of £5 million. This year the government will spend a record £25.3 million on minimum wage enforcement.

Rates will rise again in April 2018, giving young workers in particular the biggest pay boost in a decade.

For more information about your pay, or if you think you might be being underpaid, visit our dedicated National Minimum and Living Wage website.

The 260 employers named today are:

  1. The Best Connection Group Limited, Bromsgrove B61, failed to pay £469,273.83 to 2558 workers.
  2. Qualitycourse Limited trading as Transline Group, Calderdale HD6, failed to pay £310,302.12 to 1421 workers.
  3. Primark Stores Limited, Reading RG1, failed to pay £231,973.12 to 9735 workers.
  4. SportsDirect.com Retail Limited, Bolsover NG20, failed to pay £167,036.24 to 383 workers.
  5. Edward Mackay Contractor Ltd, Highland KW9, failed to pay £51,403.65 to 4 workers.
  6. Payerise 72 Limited, Kingston upon Thames KT3, failed to pay £29,979.27 to 130 workers.
  7. Mr Percy John Puddepha, Mrs Rosemary Puddepha, Mr Brian Puddepha and Ms Diana Puddepha trading as The Pines Hotel, Purbeck BH19, failed to pay £20,557.68 to 15 workers.
  8. Ramside Estates Limited, County Durham DH1, failed to pay £17,536.59 to 8 workers.
  9. Bedruthan Hotel Limited, Cornwall TR8, failed to pay £14,215.61 to 22 workers.
  10. First Rate FX Limited, Tower Hamlets E14, failed to pay £11,802.36 to 4 workers.
  11. D MacGillivray & Co Ltd, Na h-Eileanan Siar HS7, failed to pay £11,656.93 to 11 workers.
  12. Bournemouth Brewing Group Limited, Poole BH17, failed to pay £11,387.84 to 1 worker.
  13. Willerby Manor Hotels Limited, East Riding of Yorkshire HU10, failed to pay £10,133.13 to 37 workers.
  14. The Message Enterprise Centre trading as Shine Hair & Beauty, Manchester M22, failed to pay £9,936.05 to 7 workers.
  15. Headlam Leisure Limited trading as Headlam Hall Hotel, County Durham DL2, failed to pay £9,157.42 to 8 workers.
  16. Sabai Hairdressing Ltd., Newcastle upon Tyne NE1, failed to pay £8,144.38 to 6 workers.
  17. Regal Amusement Machines Sales Limited trading as Regal Gaming and Leisure, South Ribble PR5, failed to pay £8,081.93 to 74 workers.
  18. Global Voices Ltd, Stirling FK9, failed to pay £8,026.13 to 4 workers.
  19. Mrs Hardeep Sodhi and Mrs Salma Choudhary trading as Cape Hill Solicitors, Sandwell B66, failed to pay £7,917.22 to 1 worker.
  20. Cuba Lily (North East) Limited, County Durham DH1, failed to pay £7,917.09 to 26 workers.
  21. Black Yak Ltd, East Riding of Yorkshire YO25, failed to pay £7,728.09 to 2 workers.
  22. Low Wood Hotel (1958) Limited trading as Low Wood Bay, South Lakeland LA23, failed to pay £7,341.25 to 34 workers.
  23. Martin Bros. Removals Limited, Wiltshire BA12, failed to pay £7,251.55 to 3 workers.
  24. Nine Grounds Limited Alchemy, Bristol BS31, failed to pay £7,198.84 to 49 workers.
  25. Little People (Stanningley) Limited, Leeds LS28, failed to pay £7,035.11 to 5 workers.
  26. Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Limited, Belfast BT1, failed to pay £6,951.17 to 804 workers.
  27. Craydawn Pendley Manor Limited trading as Pendley Manor Hotel, Dacorum HP23, failed to pay £6,048.74 to 4 workers.
  28. Crook & Crook Limited, Highland IV2, failed to pay £5,726.77 to 2 workers.
  29. Mr Rex Hanson and Mr Robin Wright trading as Hanson & Wright, North Lincolnshire DN17, failed to pay £5,533.05 to 1 worker.
  30. Mobeen Restaurant And Takeaway Limited, Waltham Forest E10, failed to pay £5,433.99 to 1 worker.
  31. Mr Martin Brindley Station Cars, Wrexham LL11, failed to pay £5,303.74 to 1 worker.
  32. The New Ocean Hotel Limited, North Somerset BS23, failed to pay £5,206.33 to 11 workers.
  33. Brownbridge Limited, Bury BL9, failed to pay £5,174.82 to 5 workers.
  34. Premier Carewaiting Limited, Redbridge IG1, failed to pay £5,123.52 to 9 workers.
  35. Y & V Partners Limited trading as Imperial Oriental, Redbridge IG7, failed to pay £5,027.34 to 2 workers.
  36. Mrs Felicity Anne Reay trading as Cornhill Carriage Company, Northumberland TD12, failed to pay £4,974.26 to 1 worker.
  37. Fingerprints Nursery Ltd, Kirklees BD19, failed to pay £4,686.88 to 1 worker.
  38. Northumberland Hotel LLP trading as The Northumberland Hotel, Edinburgh EH16, failed to pay £4,685.39 to 2 workers.
  39. Mr Jeffrey Spencer Dennis trading as Spencer Dennis Joinery, Wirral CH41, failed to pay £4,653.32 to 1 worker.
  40. The Manor House Hotel (Castle Combe) Limited trading as The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, Wiltshire SN14, failed to pay £4,613.85 to 9 workers.
  41. Keystone Properties (UK) Limited, Rochdale OL16, failed to pay £4,395.86 to 4 workers.
  42. Salon Syndicate Limited trading as Shapes, Edinburgh EH15, failed to pay £4,111.12 to 4 workers.
  43. Shield On-Site Services Ltd, Herefordshire HR9, failed to pay £3,912.24 to 1 worker.
  44. Mr Nicholas Jesse Mitchell and Mrs Angela Marie Mitchell trading as Alter Ego, Colchester CO1, failed to pay £3,722.17 to 5 workers.
  45. International Subcontracting Solutions Ltd, Guernsey GY10, failed to pay £3,664.89 to 1 worker.
  46. GST Partners trading as The Five Bells, St Edmundsbury CO10, failed to pay £3,574.18 to 2 workers.
  47. Loubnan Natural Foods Ltd, Ealing NW10, failed to pay £3,472.98 to 13 workers.
  48. Khela Enterprises Limited, Rotherham S60, failed to pay £3,380.31 to 2 workers.
  49. Mr Richard Short trading as Richard Short Plumbing and Heating, Worthing BN14, failed to pay £3,317.71 to 1 worker.
  50. Mrs Rena Muir trading as TRC Hair Design, Renfrewshire PA1, failed to pay £3,315.07 to 1 worker.
  51. Atlas Property Management Limited trading as Taylor Viscount Estate Agents, Bournemouth BH7, failed to pay £3,267.35 to 1 worker.
  52. UK Legion Marketing Ltd., Wirral CH41, failed to pay £3,227.56 to 1 worker.
  53. Total Site Maintenance Limited, Neath Port Talbot SA12, failed to pay £3,176.62 to 127 workers.
  54. Spina Ltd, Camden NW6, failed to pay £3,154.18 to 1 worker.
  55. Eventful Temps Ltd., Leicester LE4, failed to pay £3,087.52 to 39 workers.
  56. A Consultancy Services Limited trading as The Fallowfield Lodge, Manchester M14, failed to pay £2,995.41 to 7 workers.
  57. The Bear & Pheasant Limited, Stafford ST17, failed to pay £2,975.25 to 1 worker.
  58. Higginshaw Abattoir Limited, Oldham OL2, failed to pay £2,879.12 to 1 worker.
  59. Mr Dhimiter Arkelaos trading as Handy Andy Car Wash, Renfrewshire G51, failed to pay £2,852.76 to 2 workers.
  60. Future Salons South Ltd trading as Philola, West Berkshire RG14, failed to pay £2,842.6 to 1 worker.
  61. Hughes & Daughters Care Ltd trading as Blue Ribbon Community Care Tyne and Wear, Sunderland SR2, failed to pay £2,789.06 to 22 workers.
  62. Motherwell Football and Athletic Club Limited (The) trading as Motherwell F.C., North Lanarkshire ML1, failed to pay £2,755.34 to 12 workers.
  63. Methodist Holiday Hotels Limited trading as Raven Hall Hotel, Scarborough YO13, failed to pay £2,754.57 to 5 workers.
  64. Viking Energy Solutions Limited, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 failed to pay £2,606.97 to 19 workers.
  65. Vernon Community College C.I.C., Nottingham NG1, failed to pay £2,532.28 to 2 workers.
  66. Orient Property Services Ltd., Redbridge IG3, failed to pay £2,520.6 to 1 worker.
  67. G3rry Limited trading as Hughes Chemist, Glasgow City G41, failed to pay £2,423.74 to 2 workers.
  68. Rare Fashion Limited, Wiltshire L5, failed to pay £2,410.13 to 1 worker.
  69. Greenock Morton Football Club Limited trading as Greenock Morton F.C., Inverclyde PA15, failed to pay £2,382.46 to 6 workers.
  70. The Holiday and Flight Centre Limited, South Lanarkshire ML3, failed to pay £2,242.08 to 1 worker.
  71. Barbara Daley Hair & Beauty Limited, Liverpool L1, failed to pay £2,200.18 to 4 workers.
  72. Mr Ryan Edge trading as Francis and Ashley Hairdressing (previous owner), Dudley DY8, failed to pay £2,196.33 to 1 worker.
  73. Energy Controls Limited, Calderdale HX5, failed to pay £2,136.86 to 1 worker.
  74. Moorlands Travel (Kelty) Limited, Fife KY4, failed to pay £2,110.8 to 2 workers.
  75. Advanced Building (NW) Ltd., Salford M28, failed to pay £2,027.04 to 1 worker.
  76. AAM & Sons Limited trading as Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery, Stockton-on-Tees TS19, failed to pay £2,002.24 to 38 workers.
  77. Crystal Elderly Care Ltd., Croydon CR5, failed to pay £1,980.71 to 1 worker.
  78. The Works Stores Limited, North Warwickshire B46, failed to pay £1,963.01 to 41 workers.
  79. The Style Guru Limited, West Berkshire RG7, failed to pay £1,926.98 to 5 workers.
  80. Smile and Implant Ltd., Leicester LE3, failed to pay £1,917.04 to 1 worker.
  81. PC Solve Ltd trading as Ink2Print, Peterborough PE1, failed to pay £1,901.6 to 1 worker.
  82. Pizza Inn Wembley Ltd., Brent HA0, failed to pay £1,824.38 to 1 worker.
  83. Few Inns Limited trading as The Boot Inn, West Oxfordshire OX29, failed to pay £1,820.07 to 1 worker.
  84. Annandale Bed and Bath Service Limited, Dumfries and Galloway DG10, failed to pay £1,803.22 to 3 workers.
  85. Gisburne Park Estates Limited trading as Ribblesdale Park, Ribble Valley BB7, failed to pay £1,792.17 to 1 worker.
  86. Ms Fiona Victoria Marden trading as Legends, Wealden BN27, failed to pay £1,750.39 to 1 worker.
  87. Ambleside Inns Limited trading as The Alexandra, East Riding of Yorkshire HU18, failed to pay £1,741.78 to 2 workers.
  88. John Olivers (Ipswich) Limited, Ipswich IP4, failed to pay £1,662.84 to 7 workers.
  89. Bristol Rovers Football Club Limited trading as Bristol Rovers F.C., Bristol, BS7 failed to pay £1,651.86 to 52 workers.
  90. Antoniou Hair Fashions Limited trading as Antoniou Hair and Beauty, Canterbury CT1, failed to pay £1,629.17 to 16 workers.
  91. Elmic Limited Monroes, Dudley DY8, failed to pay £1,598.06 to 1 worker.
  92. Heyrod Construction Limited, Oldham OL9, failed to pay £1,588.6 to 1 worker.
  93. Norella Limited trading as Alexsa, Mansfield NG18, failed to pay £1,566.28 to 2 workers.
  94. Influence Conditioned Air Limited, Glasgow City G2, failed to pay £1,551.32 to 1 worker.
  95. Mrs Jennifer Preece trading as DNL Family Barbers, Cheshire East CW5, failed to pay £1,495.52 to 3 workers.
  96. Shawn Associates Limited, Luton LU1, failed to pay £1,458.77 to 1 worker.
  97. Mr Prem Kumar and Mrs Suresh Kumar trading as Acklam Road Post Office, Middlesbrough TS5, failed to pay £1,453.37 to 2 workers.
  98. Nightingales UK Limited, Warrington WA1, failed to pay £1,453.22 to 4 workers.
  99. Anthony John Salons Limited, Lichfield WS14, failed to pay £1,448.79 to 9 workers.
  100. Hillfoot Homes Limited, Clackmannanshire FK14, failed to pay £1,439.36 to 2 workers.
  101. Mr Bharat Savjani and Mr Vikesh Savjani trading as Sussex Service Station, Birmingham B12, failed to pay £1,430.66 to 11 workers.
  102. Rochdale Plastics Ltd, Rochdale OL16, failed to pay £1,411.93 to 1 worker.
  103. N K Hair Studio Limited, Oldham OL3, failed to pay £1,411.12 to 2 workers.
  104. Mrs Therese McMonagle trading as Teri’s Hair Salon, South Ayrshire KA9, failed to pay £1,408.92 to 2 workers.
  105. DGC Building Services Limited, Dudley DY1, failed to pay £1,377.84 to 3 workers.
  106. Subway South Limited trading as Subway, Bournemouth BH9, failed to pay £1,361.38 to 2 workers.
  107. Mrs Safira Pandor trading as Al Noor Playgroup, Kirklees WF13, failed to pay £1,297.72 to 1 worker.
  108. Nicholas Anthony Hairdressers Ltd, Bedford MK40, failed to pay £1,279.42 to 1 worker.
  109. Brynamman One Stop Limited, Neath Port Talbot SA18, failed to pay £1,252.76 to 1 worker.
  110. Provectus Medical Limited, Pendle BB9, failed to pay £1,224.51 to 1 worker.
  111. Lavender House (Ashburton) Limited trading as Lavender House Hotel, Teignbridge TQ13, failed to pay £1,220.24 to 1 worker.
  112. ERWA Limited Hand Car Wash, Walsall WS2, failed to pay £1,212.96 to 3 workers.
  113. Little and Shooting Stars Ltd, Wakefield WF5, failed to pay £1,192.97 to 1 worker.
  114. BM&AA Soluction Limited trading as A & K Hair Design, City of Edinburgh EH10, failed to pay £1,172.83 to 1 worker.
  115. Everstar Properties Limited, Harrow HA2, failed to pay £1,166.06 to 2 workers.
  116. AEH Hotels Limited trading as The Manor At Sway Hotel & Restaurant, New Forest SO41 failed to pay £1,165.72 to 2 workers.
  117. Whelan HotelCo Limited trading as The Wrightington Hotel and Country Club, West Lancashire WN6, failed to pay £1,142.32 to 19 workers.
  118. 5th Generation Limited, Oldham M35, failed to pay £1,125.34 to 1 worker.
  119. Blushes Hairdressing Ltd, Cheltenham GL50, failed to pay £1,112.94 to 2 workers.
  120. S M W Construction Limited, Preston PR1, failed to pay £1,090.71 to 3 workers.
  121. Mrs Sharon E Daniels trading as Clippers, Ashfield NG17, failed to pay £1,017.68 to 2 workers.
  122. Philosophi Limited, Glasgow City G1, failed to pay £1,012.49 to 1 worker.
  123. Innovate Services Limited, Woking KT14, failed to pay £1,010.18 to 2 workers.
  124. B & E Travel Limited trading as Barrhead Travel, Fife KY7, failed to pay £994.56 to 1 worker.
  125. Mrs Parvinder Kaur trading as Monkbridge Off Licence, Leeds LS6, failed to pay £986.56 to 1 worker.
  126. Jasi Company (UK) Limited trading as Costcutter, Plymouth PL2, failed to pay £981.56 to 1 worker.
  127. Admiral Care Ltd, Portsmouth PO3, failed to pay 954.23 to 1 worker.
  128. Mr Ali Goultekin and Mrs Gulsin Goultekin trading as Go West, Greenwich SE3, failed to pay £946.6 to 1 worker.
  129. Synergie+ Plus Ltd trading as Fit4less, Peterborough PE1, failed to pay £944.07 to 2 workers.
  130. May’s @ The Hollybush Ltd trading as The Hollybush Inn, East Ayrshire KA6, failed to pay £935.81 to 1 worker.
  131. Sandersons (UK) Limited trading as Sandersons Bakery, Blackburn with Darwen BB1, failed to pay £910.6 to 1 worker.
  132. Arran Brew Ltd, North Ayrshire KA27, failed to pay £872.77 to 2 workers.
  133. Ron Skinner & Sons Ltd, Blaenau Gwent NP22, failed to pay £863.5 to 2 workers.
  134. Mr Roger Simpson and Ms Emma Jones trading as Brightsparks Purley Way, Croydon CR0
    failed to pay £847.69 to 1 worker.
  135. Swissport Ltd, Halton WA7, failed to pay £841.34 to 5 workers.
  136. Hardwick Supermarket Ltd trading as Hardwick Frozen Foods, Stockton-on-Tees TS19, failed to pay £837.2 to 1 worker.
  137. Ms Kate Ellen Khan and Ms Hayley Twist trading as Toybox Private Nursery, Wakefield WF1, failed to pay £828.03 to 2 workers.
  138. MMJ London Limited trading as Melissa McArthur Jewellery, Hammersmith and Fulham W6, failed to pay £819.02 to 1 worker.
  139. N & J Oxby Limited trading as Elite, Doncaster DN10, failed to pay £806.32 to 1 worker.
  140. Mr Mark Ghani trading as Sync Plumbing & Heating Solutions, Wigan WN2, failed to pay £782.16 to 1 worker.
  141. The Trouville Hotel LLP trading The Trouvile Hotel, Bournemouth BH2, failed to pay £781.51 to 11 workers.
  142. Mrs Andrea McKie trading as Angels Assisted Living Services, Northumberland NE42, failed to pay £772.45 to 1 worker.
  143. Mr Arie Ahmed Rasoul trading as Mini Sam, Corby NN17, failed to pay £771.76 to 1 worker.
  144. Budock Vean Hotel Limited, Cornwall TR11, failed to pay £765.58 to 1 worker.
  145. The Gentry Grooming Co (Merchandising) Limited, Salford M3, failed to pay £765.33 to 1 worker.
  146. Mr Robert Beercock trading as beercocks, East Riding of Yorkshire HU13, failed to pay £744.04 to 10 workers.
  147. Grayshott Leisure Limited trading as Grayshott Spa (under previous ownership), East Hampshire GU26, failed to pay £733.87 to 6 workers.
  148. Elenaz Limited trading as Ozmen Local, North East Derbyshire S21, failed to pay £702.16 to 1 worker.
  149. Alderforce North Limited trading as KFC, Brent HA9, failed to pay £699.79 to 23 workers.
  150. Mrs Arusha Korrin and Mr Anush Prem Korrin trading as Café Loco Shrub Hill, Worcester WR4, failed to pay £697.25 to 4 workers.
  151. Mr Karwan Kader Hassan trading as Best Hand Car Wash, Derby DE23, failed to pay £695.90 to 3 workers.
  152. Mr Darren Beaman trading as Darren Beaman Tailoring, Leeds LS11, failed to pay £689.90 to 1 worker.
  153. Mr Aidas Armonas trading as The Hand Car Wash People, Bath and North East Somerset BA2, failed to pay £660.19 to 6 workers.
  154. Rothwell & Robertson Limited trading as Ye Olde Bull’s Head Inn, Isle of Anglesey LL58, failed to pay £627.53 to 1 worker.
  155. Amish Wholesalers Limited, Barking and Dagenham IG11, failed to pay £624.79 to 7 workers.
  156. Mrs Lynne McCullough trading as Lynne Capelli Salon, West Dunbartonshire G82, failed to pay £620.65 to 3 workers.
  157. Tots N Tykes (Leeds) Limited trading as Tots N Tykes, Leeds LS28, failed to pay £619.73 to 3 workers.
  158. Mr Keith David Fearn trading as The Monaco Hotel, Merton BS23, failed to pay £607.76 to 1 worker.
  159. Nelson Recruitment Services Ltd, Birmingham B44, failed to pay £601.77 to 64 workers.
  160. Star Alliance FM Limited, Redbridge IG3, failed to pay £594.95 to 2 workers.
  161. Nursery on the Green (UK) Limited, Merton CR4, failed to pay £586.24 to 8 workers.
  162. Charlotte Murray Limited, Haringey N10, failed to pay £585.20 to 2 workers.
  163. Fletcher Contract Cleaning Limited, Allerdale CA7, failed to pay £569.04 to 10 workers.
  164. Copart UK Limited, Bedford MK43 failed to pay £567.06 to 4 workers.
  165. Shorter & Co (London) Limited, Greenwich SE3, failed to pay 560.28 to 6 workers.
  166. Kids in Charge (Making a Choice for a Better Future) Ltd, Redbridge IG1, failed to pay £552.15 to 1 worker.
  167. Forever Warm Homes Ltd, Newry, Mourne and Down BT35, failed to pay £535.68 to 1 worker.
  168. Gordon Hotels Limited trading as The Queens Hotel, Bournemouth BH1, failed to pay £534.18 to 3 workers.
  169. Essex and Suffolk Quality Care Ltd., Tendring CO16, failed to pay £517.4 to 2 workers.
  170. Edmundson Electrical Limited, Cheshire East WA16, failed to pay £507.09 to 1 worker.
  171. Falkirk Football and Athletic Club (The) trading as Falkirk Athletic F.C., Falkirk FK2, failed to pay £494.51 to 1 worker.
  172. Y2K Hair & Beauty Limited, Wiltshire SN15, failed to pay £483.5 to 1 worker.
  173. Mr Giovanni Francis Calandra trading as Calandras Menswear, Herefordshire HR1, failed to pay £481.66 to 1 worker.
  174. LFH (Woolley Grange) Limited trading as Woolley Grange Hotel, Wiltshire BA15, failed to pay £469.14 to 1 worker.
  175. 28 Low Street Limited trading as KH Hair, Ashfield NG17, failed to pay £465.29 to 2 workers.
  176. Tomlinson Wightman Ltd, South Lakeland LA9, failed to pay £462.5 to 3 workers.
  177. Tims Lamama Ltd trading as La Mama Café Restaurant, Wigan WN6, failed to pay £458.31 to 1 worker.
  178. LDM Contracting Services Limited, Islington BL9, failed to pay £451.83 to 2 workers.
  179. Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club (1986) Limited trading as Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., Wolverhampton WV1, failed to pay £450.79 to 17 workers.
  180. Mr Archie Dowding trading as Aquarius, Bexley DA1, failed to pay £448.82 to 1 worker.
  181. Punjabi Sweets & Curry House Ltd, Sandwell B66, failed to pay £446.95 to 3 workers.
  182. Consumable Direct Limited, Trafford M32, failed to pay £429.31 to 1 worker.
  183. Took Us A Long Time Limited trading as Wildwood Restaurant, Chester CW9, failed to pay £427.39 to 2 workers.
  184. Progressive Retail Solutions Limited, Rotherham S61, failed to pay £424.80 to 1 worker.
  185. Mr Phillip Johnson, Mrs Jeanette Johnson and Mr Roddy Patterson trading as The Railway Inn, Salford M44, failed to pay £419.78 to 1 worker.
  186. Mr Alex Selmani trading as Maltings Hand Car Wash, Epping Forest CM21, failed to pay £399.41 to 4 workers.
  187. Gonzales (SR) Limited, Bolton BL4, failed to pay £382.05 to 1 worker.
  188. Alternative Salon Ltd trading as Alternative Hair Studio, Broxbourne EN8, failed to pay £379.28 to 2 workers.
  189. Pippins Nursery (Leeds) Ltd, Leeds LS27, failed to pay £371.2 to 1 worker.
  190. Rissco Foods Limited, Sandwell B66, failed to pay £368.81 to 4 workers.
  191. Mr Sajad Ali and Mr Mohammed Ifzal trading as Hadfields, East Staffordshire DE15, failed to pay £362.32 to 3 workers.
  192. Limasole Limited, Ealing W3 failed to pay £333.64 to 1 worker.
  193. Arthur Chatwin Limited, Cheshire East CW5, failed to pay £331.94 to 8 workers.
  194. Apcoa Parking (UK) Limited, Hillingdon UB8, failed to pay £329.01 to 1 worker.
  195. Manpower Direct (UK) Ltd., Barking and Dagenham RM10, failed to pay £324.52 to 1 worker.
  196. R6 Autos Limited, Milton Keynes MK13, failed to pay £318.05 to 1 worker.
  197. Brookleigh Caring Services Limited, Stockton-on-Tees TS18, failed to pay £313.51 to 15 workers.
  198. Mrs Kalpana Zore trading as Amit Stores Off Licence, Burnley BB11, failed to pay £310.94 to 1 worker.
  199. Men At Work (Wales) Limited, Conwy LL31, failed to pay £310.8 to 1 worker.
  200. Hemsby HCW Ltd, trading as Hemsby Hand Car Wash, Great Yarmouth NR29, failed to pay 292 to 2 workers.
  201. Balfour Evans Catering Ltd trading as The Queens At Belbroughton, Bromsgrove DY9, failed to pay £290.51 to 1 worker.
  202. Cotswold Inns and Hotels Limited, Wychavon WR11, failed to pay £281.58 to 1 worker.
  203. Mr Thiyagarajah Pirabaharan and Ms Dhayalini Ariyaratnam trading as Attenborough Service Station, Broxtowe NG9, failed to pay £278.39 to 1 worker.
  204. Greenwood Fryery Limited, Warrington WA1, failed to pay £276.81 to 1 worker.
  205. Torquay United Association Football Club Limited (The), Torbay TQ1, failed to pay £276.40 to 2 workers.
  206. R&J (Builders Hardware) Limited, Blackburn with Darwen BB1, failed to pay £274.68 to 1 worker.
  207. Guy Elliott Publishing Limited, Wiltshire SP7, failed to pay £267.84 to 1 worker.
  208. Mr Patrick Courtney and Mrs Patricia Courtney trading as Courtneys Sandwich Bar, Newry, Mourne and Down BT34, failed to pay £267.58 to 3 workers.
  209. Mr Stephen Gomes trading as Moksh, Cardiff CF10, failed to pay £263.22 to 2 workers.
  210. Springfield Country Hotel (Stoborough) Limited, Purbeck BH20, failed to pay £262.55 to 1 worker.
  211. Proactive Personnel (West Midlands) Limited, Telford and Wrekin TF2, failed to pay £258.56 to 21 workers.
  212. Euro Hand Car Wash Limited, Swindon SN3, failed to pay £255.6 to 1 worker.
  213. Alim Caterers Limited trading as KFC, Hillingdon HA4, failed to pay £253.44 to 3 workers.
  214. Development Football Limited, Hart GU52, failed to pay £252.14 to 1 worker.
  215. Jo and Cass Limited, Lancaster LA1, failed to pay £252.00 to 5 workers.
  216. Athena (SW) Limited trading as Athena, Wiltshire SN15, failed to pay £251.69 to 1 worker.
  217. G.S. Associates (Scotland) Limited, Renfrewshire PA4, failed to pay £241.20 to 1 worker.
  218. Ashfin Limited trading as Zappas, Wokingham RG40, failed to pay £239.83 to 1 worker.
  219. Central Southern Security Limited, New Forest SO41, failed to pay £239.59 to 1 worker.
  220. Mr S Boyd and Mrs Maureen Boyd trading as Reflex Hair Studio, Belfast BT4, failed to pay £227.93 to 2 workers.
  221. The Recruitment & Employment Bureau Ltd, Mansfield NG18, failed to pay £223.20 to 1 worker.
  222. Mrs Johanna Patricia Walsh trading as Stage-Door, Stockport SK1, failed to pay £221.25 to 3 workers.
  223. Inspired Care Limited, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15, failed to pay £220.00 to 1 worker.
  224. Mango Direct Marketing Ltd, Ards and North Down BT19, failed to pay £215.57 to 6 workers.
  225. Vale Holiday Parks Limited, Ceredigion SY23, failed to pay £213.38 to 2 workers.
  226. Partners Hairdressing Limited, Cheshire East SK9, failed to pay £213.05 to 1 worker.
  227. 5 Star Commercial Cleaning Services Ltd, Wakefield WF10, failed to pay £210.60 to 1 worker.
  228. Mr Tarsem Singh trading as Eggless Cake Shop, Coventry CV6, failed to pay £203.53 to 3 workers.
  229. KH Resourcing Limited trading as Know How Resourcing, Leeds LS11, failed to pay £201.45 to 12 workers.
  230. Aja Lounge Ltd Crown & Pepper, Croydon CR0, failed to pay £188.47 to 2 workers.
  231. Premier Personal Care Limited, South Oxfordshire RG9, failed to pay £188.41 to 3 workers.
  232. Martlane Limited trading as Forest Place Nursing Home, Epping Forest IG9, failed to pay £182.40 to 1 worker.
  233. Mr Robert Chapman and Mr Michael Chapman trading as Touche Hairdressing, Tandridge CR3, failed to pay £174.75 to 4 workers.
  234. Creations Desserts Ltd trading as Creation Dessert Lounge, Peterborough PE1, failed to pay £174.14 to 2 workers.
  235. Mr David Hill and Mrs Jayne Hill trading as Langwith Premier Store, Bolsover NG20, failed to pay £172.61 to 1 worker.
  236. Mrs Nathalie Zabbal trading as The Newbridge, Wolverhampton WV6, failed to pay £170.67 to 1 worker.
  237. The Nail and Beauty Zone Limited, City of Edinburgh EH3, failed to pay £170.59 to 4 workers.
  238. Covra Management Limited, Birmingham B10, failed to pay £168.84 to 2 workers.
  239. Hillcrest Childrens Services Limited, Havant PO9, failed to pay £162.24 to 1 worker.
  240. Bishopsgate Business Solutions Ltd, Harrow HA1, failed to pay £156.43 to 1 worker.
  241. RU Hungry Ltd trading as Pizza Hut Delivery, Stockton-on-Tees TS18, failed to pay £156.35 to 1 worker.
  242. Supreme Security Solutions UK Ltd, Havering RM7, failed to pay £155.08 to 1 worker.
  243. Ms Thuy Thanh Nguyen trading as Fashion Nails, Richmond upon Thames TW11, failed to pay £147.30 to 2 workers.
  244. S.W. Enviro Limited, West Lothian EH55, failed to pay £146.43 to 2 workers.
  245. Perfect10247 Ltd trading as Papa Johns, Birmingham B5 failed to pay £146.39 to 6 workers.
  246. Archer Wise Accountants & Auditors Limited, Hammersmith and Fulham SW6, failed to pay £141.70 to 1 worker.
  247. Tower Carpets Limited, Birmingham B23, failed to pay £141.66 to 3 workers.
  248. The Hair & Beauty Company (Wigan) Ltd, Wigan WN2, failed to pay £140.48 to 2 workers.
  249. Irqa Spicy Food Ltd trading as Nosheen Tandoori, Aberdeenshire AB41, failed to pay £140.07 to 4 workers.
  250. Welding Innovations Ltd, Tunbridge Wells TN17, failed to pay £139.01 to 1 worker.
  251. Lakeview Manor Ltd, East Devon EX14, failed to pay £138.91 to 2 workers.
  252. Broomstick Capital Limited, Islington N7, failed to pay £135.75 to 1 worker.
  253. TAAE Management Ltd trading as Bluebird Care Sunderland, Sunderland SR1, failed to pay £131.42 to 1 worker.
  254. Schoolhouse Daycare Limited trading as Swansea DVLA Schoolhouse Daycare, Swansea SA6, failed to pay £125.37 to 1 worker.
  255. Brittons Caterers Limited, Birmingham B6, failed to pay £124.78 to 1 worker.
  256. Akbar Balti (Manchester) Limited, Manchester M3, failed to pay £123.90 to 1 worker.
  257. Sprague & Ouseley Limited, Exeter EX2, failed to pay £123.00 to 1 worker.
  258. CGB Oldham Limited trading as Chadderton Bar & Grill, Oldham OL9, failed to pay £111.76 to 1 worker.
  259. Oxbridge Care Limited, Stockton-on-Tees TS18, failed to pay £110.99 to 1 worker.
  260. Six Five Zero Limited trading as Vivo Hotel Apartments, Bradford BD17, failed to pay £104.40 to 1 worker.

Employers named and shamed, December 2017

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Notes to editors

1) The government committed to promoting the delivery of fair and decent work for all in its modern Industrial Strategy.

2) This is the thirteenth round of government naming and shaming for employers who have failed to pay National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates.

3) Employers have a duty to be aware of and comply with the different legal national minimum and living wage rates. If workers are concerned that they are not being paid the correct rates or if employers need more information about the legal requirements then they can seek advice from Acas.

4) Any complaints that are raised with Acas, where they believe there may be an National Minimum Wage underpayment, will be referred to HMRC.

5) HMRC follows up on every complaint received from Acas via the online complaint form.

6) Around 2,500 cases are currently being worked on by HMRC and eligible employers will be named and shamed after their cases have been closed.

7) Sectors that featured prominently in this naming and shaming round were:

  • 34 retailers for 11,072 workers
  • 58 hospitality businesses for 288 workers
  • 40 are hairdressing businesses for 118 workers

8) The current minimum wage rates are:

  • National Living Wage (25 years and over): £7.50 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage for 21 to 24-year-olds: £7.05 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year olds: £5.60 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage for 16 to 17-year-olds: £4.05 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage for apprentices under 19, or over 19 and in the first year of an apprenticeship: £3.50 per hour

9) The Low Pay Commission is the independent body that advises the government on the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

10) The revised BEIS scheme to name employers who break minimum wage law came into effect on 1 October 2013. The scheme is one of a range of tools at the government’s disposal to tackle this issue. Employers who pay workers less than the minimum wage not only have to pay back arrears of wages to the worker at current minimum wage rates but also face financial penalties of up to 200% of arrears, capped at £20,000 per worker. In the most serious cases employers can be prosecuted.

11) Under this scheme the government will name all employers who have been issued with a Notice of Underpayment (NoU) unless employers meet one of the exceptional criteria or have arrears of £100 or less. All 260 cases named today failed to pay the correct national minimum or living wage rates and owed arrears of more than £100.

12) Employers have 28 days to appeal against the NoU (this notice sets out the owed wages to be paid by the employer together with the penalty for not complying with minimum wage law). If the employer does not appeal or unsuccessfully appeals against this NoU, BEIS will consider them for naming. The employer then has 14 days to make representations to BEIS outlining whether they meet any of the exceptional criteria:

  • naming by BEIS carries a risk of personal harm to an individual or their family
  • there are national security risks associated with naming in this instance
  • other factors which suggest that it would not be in the public interest to name the employer

13) If BEIS does not receive any representations or the representations received are unsuccessful, the employer will be named via a BEIS press release under this scheme.


Link: Press release: £1.7m back pay identified for a record 16,000 workers as 260 employers are named and shamed for underpaying minimum wage rates
Source: Gov Press Releases

Posted on

Press release: Coventry to host UK City of Culture 2021

The decision was made after an independent panel of culture experts, chaired by television producer and screenwriter Phil Redmond, visited each of the five candidate cities before recommending Coventry as the winner.

The bid impressed the judges with its focus on youth, diversity and the scale of impact not only in Coventry but across the UK as a whole.

Coventry will take the title from Hull 2017, which has used City of Culture to transform its reputation as a destination for arts and culture both at home and abroad.

It is estimated that Hull’s local economy has received a £60 million boost in 2017 and the city has been praised for how it has engaged local residents in the cultural programme. Nine out of 10 residents have attended, or taken part, in a City of Culture event and since it was awarded the title in 2013 it has received more than £3 billion of investment.

John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said:

I would like to congratulate Coventry on winning UK City of Culture 2021. The title is an incredible opportunity for Coventry to boost investment in the local economy, grow tourism and put arts and culture centre stage.

We received excellent bids from all the cities and I would like to thank them for their efforts.

In 2017 I have seen the truly transformative effect this prestigious title has had on Hull. The city has embraced City of Culture and in doing so has demonstrated how culture, the arts and heritage can bring communities together. I look forward to seeing what Coventry has in store in 2021.

Phil Redmond, Chair of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel said:

Once again the process has highlighted the depth and strength of culture across the UK. That made it difficult choosing a winner, but I would like to congratulate Coventry and I am sure they will build on the legacy of Derry-Londonderry and Hull and bring about a transformational change in 2021.

For those that weren’t successful this time, I hope, as has happened in other places, that they will look to the future and build on the wider cultural partnerships they have created.

The third UK City of Culture announcement comes after the five shortlisted cities were assessed over a number of months by the independent advisory panel. Each city was visited by the panel and invited to present details of their plans for City of Culture.

There have been two previous UK Cities of Culture: Derry-Londonderry in 2013 and Hull in 2017. Both cities have realised economic benefits such as increased investment and a rise in visitor numbers.

Coventry now has three years to prepare its year-long programme of activity for 2021. As part of its status as UK City of Culture 2012, Coventry will be eligible for a £3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

ENDS

For further information or interview bids please contact Faye Jackson in the DCMS press office on faye.jackson@culture.gov.uk or 020 7211 6263 / 07788 345722

Expert views were provided on the final bids by Martin Green (CEO, Artistic Director, Hull Culture Company) and digital culture expert Will Saunders (Creative Director, BBC studios).

Link: Press release: Coventry to host UK City of Culture 2021
Source: Gov Press Releases

Posted on

Press release: 2017 Basic Payment Scheme payments underway

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced that over 54,000 farmers in England received their 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money over the first four days of the payment window.

Payments between 1 – 6 December were made to over 63% of eligible claimants, and worth more than £850 million in total. These include a range of 2017 BPS claim types and sizes, as well as those inspected and farmers with common land.

Thanks to increased entitlement values and greening rates, coupled with the favourable BPS exchange rate confirmed in September, basic payments will be worth 25% more on average this year, compared to 2015.

RPA Chief Executive, Paul Caldwell said:

I am pleased that the RPA has paid a similar number of farmers to last year at the start of the 2017 payment window. I understand entirely the importance of timely payments, and we remain focussed on getting the rest of the payments out as quickly as possible.

Further updates on figures will be made throughout the payment window on GOV.UK.

BPS payments are made direct to bank accounts via BACS transfer so farmers should make sure RPA has the most up-to-date account details. Once a payment has been made a remittance advice is sent in the post, confirming the amount paid. Claim statements will also be sent, explaining how payments have been worked out.

Support

More information on BPS 2017, including scheme rules and details of how payments are calculated, is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/bps-2017.

Avoiding fraud

Farmers are urged to be vigilant against fraud. Remember:

  • Your bank, police or the RPA will never ask you to reveal your online password, PIN or bank account details or ask you to make a payment over the telephone.
  • Never enter into a conversation with someone you don’t know or open unknown or unexpected computer links or emails.
  • If in doubt, call the organisation back, ideally on a different telephone, using a number you are familiar with or you know to be official. You can usually find this on the organisation’s website, correspondence or statement. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 without delay for advice and to register your concern.

Link: Press release: 2017 Basic Payment Scheme payments underway
Source: Gov Press Releases

Posted on

Press release: Andrew McNaughton appointed to new strategic role at HS2

Andrew will provide strategic advice and assurance to the High Speed Two (HS2) Executive and Board on technical matters. At the same time Andrew will advise both the Department of Transport and other government departments on wider transport matters.

Andrew will also continue his role as an expert witness for the project, as required, and continue to be chairman of the World High Speed Rail Committee.

Andrew was HS2 Ltd’s first official employee, joining the company as Chief Engineer in 2009 and guiding it from concept to the edge of reality in the period since.

Professor Andrew McNaughton said:

After leading the design and authorisation phases of HS2 for the last 9 years I am stepping back from a full time executive leadership function to this more strategic role which, I am delighted to say, will continue my strong link with HS2 whilst also giving me more freedom to advise the government here, and others elsewhere, on both high speed railway development, and wider transport issues.

The chairman of HS2 Ltd, David Higgins, said:

Andrew’s expertise and experience has been critical in getting HS2 to the point it is now, and the Board is delighted that it will be able to continue to draw on that expertise in the future.

The chief executive of HS2 Ltd, Mark Thurston, said:

Andrew was not only our first employee, but has also been an inspiration to many of those who have joined since. He has been critical in establishing the project and in recruiting the highly talented team that will carry his and many others’ work through to fruition. We will continue to lean heavily on his expertise, at the same time as benefiting from the perspective Andrew gains from his work with other organisations.

Andrew will be stepping down from his full time role leading the Technical Directorate, taking on the new position from the 2nd January. He will continue to report into Mark Thurston. An announcement on the future leadership of the Technical Directorate will be made shortly.

Press and media enquiries

The press and media enquiries line is for accredited journalists only

Link: Press release: Andrew McNaughton appointed to new strategic role at HS2
Source: Gov Press Releases

Posted on

Press release: Report 18/2017: Overturning of a tram at Sandilands junction, Croydon

In its investigation into the overturning of tram 2551 in Croydon on 9 November 2016, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the risk of trams overturning on curves was not properly understood by the tramway and so there were insufficient safety measures. All of the passengers who were killed, and many of those who were seriously injured, fell through the windows or doors as the tram tipped over. Today, the RAIB has made 15 safety recommendations to improve safety on UK trams.

Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:

The RAIB’s report into the accident at Sandilands will stand as the record of the events that led to the tram overturning and the terrible human consequences. Our careful analysis of the evidence, and identification of the causal and underlying factors, has enabled us to make a number of far-reaching recommendations. These will have a lasting impact on the way that the tramway industry manages its risk.

We are recommending action in five main areas. The first is the use of modern technology to intervene when trams approach hazardous features too fast, or when drivers lose awareness of the driving task. Tramways need to promote better awareness and management of the risk associated with tramway operations. Work needs to be done to reduce the extent of injuries caused to passengers in serious tram accidents, and to make it easier for them to escape. There need to be improvements to safety management systems, particularly encouraging a culture in which everyone feels able to report their own mistakes. Finally, greater collaboration is needed across the tramway industry on matters relating to safety.

UK tramways have been aware of our key findings and the focus of our recommendations for many months now. I am very encouraged by the progress that has already been made in addressing the recommendations and the collaborative approach that is being taken.

It is vital that the right action is taken to stop such a tragic accident from ever happening again.

Summary

On the morning of 9 November 2016, tram 2551 reached the maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h as it entered the first of three closely spaced tunnels, which together extended for about 500 metres. When leaving the tunnels, the tram should have been reducing speed significantly as it was approaching the sharp curve round to Sandilands junction, where there is a 20 km/h limit. This was marked by a speed limit sign at the start of the curve. On the day of the accident, the tram was travelling at 73 kilometres per hour when it reached this sign.

The excessive speed caused the tram to overturn as it passed through the curve. Passengers were thrown around inside the tram and the tram slid along the ground on its side. Of the 69 passengers involved in this tragic accident, seven died and 61 were injured, 19 seriously.

Investigation methods included:

  • obtaining data from the tram’s onboard recorder and the tramway’s signalling system
  • conducting tests on the tram’s safety systems
  • using computer modelling to understand the minimum speed that would overturn a tram on the curve at Sandilands
  • reviewing the design of the infrastructure
  • reviewing the tramway’s safety and risk management systems
  • interviews with people and organisations involved
  • surveying tram drivers to understand how trams were being driven on that route

The RAIB’s investigation concluded that it is probable that the driver temporarily lost awareness on a section of route on which his workload was low. The investigation has found that a possible explanation for this loss of awareness was that the driver had a microsleep, and that this was linked to fatigue. Although it is possible that the driver was fatigued due to insufficient sleep there is no evidence that this was the result of the shift pattern that he was required to work.

It is also possible that, as he regained awareness, the driver became confused about his location and direction of travel through the tunnels. The infrastructure did not contain sufficiently distinctive features to alert tram drivers that they were approaching the tight curve.

The investigation found that:

  • there was no mechanism to monitor driver alertness or to automatically apply the brakes when the tram was travelling too fast
  • there was inadequate signage to remind drivers when to start braking or to warn that they were approaching the sharp curve
  • the windows broke when people fell against them, so many passengers were thrown from the tram causing fatal or serious injuries

Recommendations

The RAIB has made 15 recommendations intended to improve safety. Recommendation areas include:

  • technology, such as automatic braking and systems to monitor driver alertness
  • better understanding the risks associated with tramway operations, particularly when the tramway is not on a road, and the production of guidance on how these risks should be managed
  • improving the strength of doors and windows
  • improvements to safety management systems, particularly encouraging a culture in which everyone feels able to report their own mistakes
  • improvements to the tram operator’s safety management arrangements so as to encourage staff to report their own mistakes and other safety issues
  • reviewing how tramways are regulated
  • a dedicated safety body for UK tramways

Video summary and animation

Overturning of a tram at Sandilands junction, Croydon

Explanation of RAIB’s investigation following a fatal accident involving a tram near Sandilands junction, Croydon, 9 November 2016. (This video is narrated and captioned.)

Animated recreation of Sandilands derailment

Animation explaining the derailment sequence following a fatal accident involving a tram near Sandilands junction, Croydon, 9 November 2016.

[Microsleep – Unintentional periods of sleep lasting anywhere from a fraction of a second to a few minutes. They are often, but not always, characterised by the closing of eyes or head nodding actions.]

Notes to editors

  1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.
  2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.
  3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

Newsdate: 7 December 2017

R182017_171207_Sandilands

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Link: Press release: Report 18/2017: Overturning of a tram at Sandilands junction, Croydon
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Creative partnerships strengthen trade ties between UK and China

As well as strengthening collaboration between the two countries on mutually important cultural issues, commercial deals between British and Chinese companies were signed at this week’s UK-China High-Level People-to-People Dialogue (P2P).

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley met Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong at the Southbank Centre as part of a number of dialogues championing the relationship between the two nations across culture, the creative industries, sport, youth and tourism.

In the Royal Festival Hall, Minister for Creative Industries Matt Hancock and his Chinese counterpart, Vice-Minister Tong Gang, witnessed the signing of the eleven creative deals. Some of the exciting collaborations include:

  • The Building Centre announced a partnership with Shanghai Creative City that will see investment in the UK to build a China-UK Innovation Centre in London, potentially creating 100 new jobs
  • Popular Cbeebies show “Octonauts” will be expanded in China and the rest of the world through a partnership between Silvergate Media and Chinese firm Wanda
  • Veteran Warwickshire-based video game specialists Codemasters teaming up with Chinese partners to launch video games into the Chinese market
  • Soccer Manager will be co-developing their online football management games into China

China is one of the most important markets for UK creative export opportunities, with DIT aiming to double creative exports and the number of creative businesses exporting through the Creative Industries International Strategy by 2020.

Latest statistics suggest that British exports to China totalled £16.8 billion in 2016, an increase of 2.4% on the previous year, and announcements like todays show that growth is set to continue.

Last week DCMS announced the Creative Industries contributed almost £250bn to the UK economy in 2016 up 3.6 per cent year-on-year and up 29 per cent since 2010. Creative sectors now account for 14.2 per cent of the UK’s GVA.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said:

The UK’s creative industries, our culture and sport, play a vital role in shaping how we are seen around the world and boosting the economy.

And it is fantastic that in the first half of this year tourism from China increased by 47 percent, with visitors spending a record £231m.

China is a global cultural leader and I am delighted to develop future opportunities and deepen our relationship throughout this important week of events.

Minister for Investment, Mark Garnier, said:

UK exports to China are growing strongly, but it’s clear that there is still vast untapped demand for British goods and services in the Chinese market.

The opportunities for growth are there, and we will continue to cultivate relationships such as these, not only to build the UK culture of exporting, but also to help businesses of all sizes forge ties with potential buyers and investors.

Toby Evan-Jones, Business Development Director, Codemasters, said:

As the world’s largest gaming market, with a value of over $24 billion in 2016, the strategic importance of China for any video game business is clear. For a number of years, Codemasters has been actively exploring strategic alliances within China and we’ve been lucky enough to build some very strong relationships during this time, with multiple deals signed in recent months. This includes the release of two of our games on PC in China, DiRT 4 and F1 2017, in collaboration with Tencent.

This year’s P2P celebrates the opening of the V&A gallery at Design Society in Shekou, the first permanent presence of a British museum outside the UK. The event also looks forward to the display of the Terracotta Warriors for the first time in over a decade in the UK at Liverpool World Museum in 2018. Other key agreements and announcements as part of the P2P in other DCMS sectors include:

  • A renewal of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism (due to expire in September 2018) aiming to increase the number of visitors between UK and China
  • Cooperation between the China Academy of Cultural Heritage and Historic England on the preservation and innovative management of the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall
  • The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Fuzhou Culture and Tourism Investment Company signed an MoU to recreate Shakespeare’s birthplace and family home in China at a new centre celebrating three great literary figures – Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Tang Xianzu, the region’s own famous son who is regarded as the Shakespeare of the East.
  • An MoU promoting cultural cooperation between Shanghai Municipal Administration and Festivals Edinburgh through a series of initiatives including the exploration of opportunities for artists, arts professionals and senior cultural influencers, knowledge transfer in aspects of festival management and the development of relationships aimed at an exchange of productions
  • The Royal Opera House and the Shanghai Grand Theatre Arts Group signed an MoU setting out a framework of exchange and joint activities

The British Library and Shanghai Library to co-operate on the exhibition “Treasures from the Literary Archive”

Notes to Editors

Other UK-Chinese creative partnerships announced at the signing ceremony include:

  • Chinese Company Beijing Yidiantong Productions Ltd to acquire the sole and exclusive license of TV shows “Alice’s Adventures Underground” and “Adventures in Wonderland” in China
  • BYD, the sixth-largest car manufacturer in China, will launch a rally car in Codemaster’s DiRt 4 game
  • A documentaries partnership between UK Company Clipper Media and Chinese Company Shuimu Xinxin Media on “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Porcelain City”
  • A film co-production on “The Overseas Chinese”, a large-scale TV series themed on overseas immigration, between UK Company Propeller TV and Chinese Company Shanghai QianYi Zhicheng Culture and Media
  • An MoU to collaborate on pre-recorded, live-stream, stage and live performance technology and intellectual property between the Royal Opera House and Chinese Company Tencent
  • A music agreement between UK Company Really Useful Group Ltd and Chinese Company SMG Performing Arts Group
  • A co-production of the film “Special Couple” between UK Company Zephyr Special Couple Ltd and Shanghai Dimension Film

Both the UK and Chinese governments acknowledged successful cooperation in culture, tourism and sport since last year, including:

  • Increased exchange and partnership between public cultural institutions, including exhibitions such as “A History of the World in 100 Objects” co-presented by the National Museum of China, Shanghai Museum and the British Museum and cooperation between city art festivals, such as the cooperation agreement between Shanghai and Edinburgh
  • The Royal Shakespeare Company’s programme of co-produced translations of Shakespeare’s work for Chinese audiences the Royal Opera House performing arts skills exchange programme with UK partners and the Shanghai Grand Theatre
  • Opening of the Design Society in Shenzhen and its inaugural exhibition Values of Design, at the new V&A Gallery and the launch of the China-UK Arts Management Professional Development Programme
  • The British Council and Beijing University jointly hosted China-UK Cultural Heritage High Level Dialogue in February 2017
  • The UK-China Gaming Creative Skills Workshop to share policy and know-how in game development and marketing and implementation of the Film Co-Production Agreement and TV Co-Production Agreement.
  • Cooperation between UK and Chinese publishing houses and publication of Chinese-themed books in the UK
  • China carried out the “Beautiful China 2017 Year of Silk Road Tourism” campaign in the UK
  • VisitBritain partnered with SuperSports, China’s official Premier League broadcaster, to launch a competition to find China’s biggest Premier League fan
  • Chinese Wushi, Dragon Dance and Rouli Ball teams visited UK for exchange and training

Link: Press release: Creative partnerships strengthen trade ties between UK and China
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Government to support development of next-generation nuclear technology

  • UK to become world-leader in developing next-generation advanced reactor programme
  • boost to nuclear fusion research at Culham in Oxfordshire
  • launch of next phase of Nuclear Innovation Programme, to include ambitious plans for safety, security and advanced fuels

The government announced today significant support to help exploit the potential for the UK to become a world-leader in developing the next generation of nuclear technologies.

A core objective of the government’s Industrial Strategy is to ensure the UK is developing the technologies of the future and preparing to seize the opportunities they bring and build on its strengths.

The government is announcing today that funding is being made available over the next 3 years to help support research and development into innovative advanced and small modular reactors as well as assess their feasibility and accelerate the development of promising designs.

The government will also be supporting early access to regulators to build the capability and capacity needed to assess and licence small reactor designs and will establish an expert finance group to advise how small reactor projects could raise private investment in the UK.

In addition, the government plans to shortly launch the second phase of its Nuclear Innovation Programme, including up to £8 million for work on modern safety and security methodologies and studies in advanced fuels.

These announcements demonstrate the government’s commitment to the nuclear innovations of the future, which build on the UK’s considerable strength in the sector and its continued partnership working with the sector, including ongoing advanced discussions toward a nuclear sector deal.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

New industry figures show that the UK’s civil nuclear sector contributed £6.4 billion to the UK economy last year. Today’s announcements recognise the importance of industry driving innovation, supported by government, so the sector continues to compete at the very highest level, not just in the UK but globally.

Helping to put the UK at the forefront of future technologies which have the potential to create value and jobs across the whole UK are core objectives of our Industrial Strategy.

A further £86 million was announced today for fusion research to set up a national fusion technology platform at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire.

The new investment will reinforce the UK’s world-leading fusion research and development capability, and allow UK firms to compete for up to a further £1 billion of international contracts for fusion technologies, including for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

Science Minister Jo Johnson said:

Our new Industrial Strategy clearly detailed our ambition to build on the UK’s existing scientific strengths and ensure UK expertise remains at the forefront of pioneering research that has global impact.

This new funding for nuclear fusion research will establish a unique set of research and innovation capabilities that will safeguard the exceptional work already taking place in Culham by scientists and engineers from across the world, and emphasises the UK’s commitment to international collaboration.

ITER, the successor project to the EU’s Joint European Torus (JET) reactor in Culham, is currently under construction in France and will continue efforts to develop a clean, safe and virtually limitless energy source.

Speaking at today’s Nuclear Industry Association’s annual conference, Energy Minister Richard Harrington also set out the next steps to allow large new nuclear projects to apply for planning consent after 2025.

He also signalled that the government would bring forward consultations in the New Year on the UK’s long-term nuclear waste management strategy, also known as a geological disposal facility. This will enable the development of a multi-billion-pound infrastructure project, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for UK companies in the supply chain.

Energy Minister Richard Harrington said:

As we set out in our Industrial Strategy, the nuclear sector has a key role to play in increasing productivity and driving clean growth across the country. Nuclear is a vital part of our energy mix, providing low carbon power now and into the future so today’s package of new measures will help to boost innovation and provide greater clarity on our future plans.

Today’s announcements follow the recent launch of the Industrial Strategy white paper which set out the government’s vision for an economy that can drive growth across the country, boost national productivity and provide UK business with certainty.

The government support comes as the Nuclear Industry Council published proposals today as part of its ongoing work to drive down the cost of nuclear energy for consumers while maintaining the UK’s world-leading expertise in the field.

Industry, with government backing, will focus on bringing on line future technologies, target cost reductions in new build and decommissioning activities, and in creating a highly-skilled and diverse workforce.

Notes to editors

Advanced modular reactors

The government is providing up to £56 million research and development (R&D) funding for new technologies through a 2-stage Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) R&D project over 3 years. Stage 1 comprises up to £4 million for feasibility studies and up to £7 million to further develop the capability of nuclear regulators who support and assess advanced nuclear technologies. Subject to Stage 1 demonstrating clear value for money through a formal re-approval process with the Treasury, up to £40 million will be available for AMR R&D projects and up to a further £5 million for regulators.

Fusion

The government has awarded the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) £86 million to establish a centre to support innovation and expertise in nuclear fusion technologies. This move reinforces the UK’s world-leading fusion R&D capability and creates a fusion innovation centre of global significance.

The funding will establish a National Fusion Technology Platform (NaFTeP) at UKAEA’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire.

NaFTeP will bring together organisations from across the supply chain to provide a unique, world-leading set of nuclear research and innovation facilities in tritium and fusion technology. NaFTeP will support UK industry in targeting major scientific and engineering contracts in nuclear fusion and safeguard the future of the Culham site and the world-class scientists and engineers that work there.

Nuclear Industry Council

The Industrial Strategy green paper cited nuclear as suitable for a potential Sector Deal.

Since then Lord John Hutton, in his capacity as Chair of the Nuclear Industry Council, has led the sector in the development of a range of proposals across key areas including new build, waste and decommissioning, R&D and skills.

The industry has today published its proposals, including ideas that target significant cost reductions in new build and decommissioning.

New Nuclear National Policy Statement (NPS)

Government is considering the planning framework for nuclear power generation over 1 gigawatt for the long term. The current National Policy Statement (NPS) for nuclear will remain in place for as long as it is required. Government is consulting on the arrangements for the siting of nuclear power stations for the period beyond 2025.

This consultation sets out the process and the updated high level criteria used to assess potentially suitable sites. There will be a further consultation on a new NPS during late 2018, which will build on the outcome.

Government’s intention is to carry forward existing sites into the new NPS, subject to them meeting the updated siting criteria and environmental assessments.

Government continues to give those sites, and projects, strong support.

This consultation and the subsequent NPS being developed under this process will not apply to SMRs. The government will consider planning issues related to smaller reactors of less than 1GW separately.

Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)

The government intends to launch 2 public consultations in the New Year on working with communities in an intended consent-based siting process; and on a National Policy Statement (NPS) for GDF infrastructure.

Nuclear Innovation Programme

The second phase of the Nuclear Innovation Programme consists of:

  • £3.7 million of funding for work on reactor design and safety engineering. This work will aim to:
    • develop better tools for developing and evaluating safety and security cases
    • improve the evaluation of nuclear safety and security performance
    • increase understanding of how nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards requirements can be delivered throughout the design process
  • £4.3 million of funding for work on advanced nuclear fuels. This work will aim to:
    • develop world leading laboratories able to develop accident tolerant fuels and to
    • develop improved computer modelling and simulation of how advanced nuclear fuels behave in operation
    • support the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, such as generation IV technologies

As part of the first phase of the Nuclear Innovation Programme launched last year the government has also awarded £5 million of contracts for work on nuclear advanced materials and manufacturing. This funding is for Stage 2 of a small business research initiative and includes work on:

  • developing a single manufacturing platform environment
  • intelligent fixtures for optimised and radical manufacture
  • material / manufacturing technology evaluation for advanced reactors
  • nano-structured steels to extend operational performance for nuclear reactors
  • improved understanding and modelling of thin section weldments

Link: Press release: Government to support development of next-generation nuclear technology
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: £86 million boost for UK nuclear fusion programme

An £86 million Government investment in the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA’s) nuclear fusion research programme at Culham Science Centre has today been announced. This investment will fund the building and operation of a National Fusion Technology Platform at Culham, expected to open in 2020.

The new facilities will support British industry and help to secure around £1 billion in contracts from the key international fusion research experiment ITER, now being built in France, and other global fusion projects. Looking further ahead, they will enable UKAEA to develop technology for the first nuclear fusion power plants and put UK industry in a strong position to exploit the commercialisation of this highly promising low-carbon energy source.

The National Fusion Technology Platform comprises two new centres of excellence:
* Hydrogen-3 Advanced Technology (H3AT) will research how to process and store tritium, one of the fuels that will power commercial fusion reactors;
* Fusion Technology Facilities (FTF) will carry out thermal, mechanical, hydraulic and electromagnetic tests on prototype components under the conditions experienced inside fusion reactors.

The National Fusion Technology Platform will enhance the UK’s expertise in critical areas of fusion research, with significant benefits to the economy as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. It will also provide a powerful signal of the UK’s intent to continue its participation in international science collaboration after leaving the European Union.

So far, 38 UK companies have won contracts totalling over €500 million on the €14 billion ITER experiment – the stepping stone to fusion power stations. H3AT and FTF will work closely with the industrial supply chain to create knowledge to position them for the next phase of ITER procurements in areas including the tritium plant, Hot Cell, measurement systems, assembly, maintenance and reactor materials.

The National Fusion Technology Platform is expected to create around 100 jobs at Culham Science Centre and many more in the wider nuclear industry supply chain.

UKAEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Chapman, said:

Fusion is entering the delivery era, with an increasing focus on the key technologies that will be needed for the first power stations. The National Fusion Technology Platform will help British industry to maximise growth from opportunities provided by ITER. In the longer term it means the UK will be at the forefront of developing fusion and bringing cleaner energy to the world.

Ends

For more information and high-resolution images please contact Chris Warrick (chris.warrick@ukaea.uk / 01235 464646) or Nick Holloway (nick.holloway@ukaea.uk / 01235 466232) at the UK Atomic Energy Authority communications office.

Link: Press release: £86 million boost for UK nuclear fusion programme
Source: Gov Press Releases