Antony Moore, Author at EMC UK

Bensons for Beds Introduces 6-Part Programme to Combat ‘Tangry’ Behaviour

Antony Moore — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 09:18:16 +0000

A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend among Brits—extreme mood swings linked to sleep deprivation; a phenomenon dubbed ‘Tangry.’ The research, commissioned by Bensons for Beds and conducted by leading sleep expert Dr. Sophie Bostock, highlights how exhaustion is fuelling irritability across the UK.

The survey, which sampled 2,000 British adults, found that a staggering 90% of respondents experience ‘Tangry’ behaviour. This term describes the irritability and anger that arise from being overly tired. Notably, 30% of participants admitted that they frequently argue with their partners due to exhaustion. An additional 18% reported feeling like a different person when they are tired.

The study also revealed that 30% of those affected resort to swearing under their breath when worn out, and the same proportion have been moved to tears by trivial issues. Other signs of ‘Tangry’ behaviour include overreacting to minor annoyances and struggling with concentration at work.

Cities with the highest levels of ‘Tangry’ residents include Brighton & Hove, Belfast, and Cardiff. In these cities, a significant proportion of the population admits to being particularly prone to irritability when sleep deprived.

To address this widespread issue, Bensons for Beds has partnered with Dr. Sophie Bostock to launch the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme. This initiative is designed to help individuals manage their sleep better and reduce the impact of tiredness on their daily lives.

The ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme includes a series of six short, informative videos. These resources aim to educate the public on the importance of sleep and provide practical tools for improving sleep quality. The programme covers topics such as tracking sleep patterns, techniques for unwinding before bed, and strategies for getting back to sleep if interrupted.

Dr. Bostock, who is an NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and Innovation Lead at Big Health, emphasised the link between sleep and emotional regulation. “A lack of sleep can alter the emotional control centres of the brain, making us more sensitive to stress and reducing our ability to manage our emotions effectively,” she explained.

The study also identified that typical adults manage only around six and a half hours of sleep per night, with fatigue peaking around 3pm. This chronic sleep deprivation is associated with various negative side effects, including decreased patience with others and impaired cognitive function.

Bensons for Beds hopes that the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme will offer much-needed relief to those struggling with the effects of sleep deprivation. Lisa Richards, Head of Marketing at Bensons, stated, “Our research highlights the significant impact that sleep deprivation can have on our behaviour. We are optimistic that this new programme will help individuals improve their sleep and, consequently, their overall wellbeing.”

For more information on the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme and to access the resources, visit Bensons for Beds.

The top 10 cities with the highest levels of ‘Tangry’ behaviour are:

Brighton & Hove
Belfast
Cardiff
Liverpool
Oxford
Sheffield
Southampton
Birmingham
Edinburgh
York

This research sheds light on the growing issue of sleep-related irritability and underscores the importance of prioritising sleep for emotional and physical health.

The post Bensons for Beds Introduces 6-Part Programme to Combat ‘Tangry’ Behaviour appeared first on EMC UK.

Scandit Acquires MarketLab’s Shelf Audit Technology to Enhance Retail Data Capture

Antony Moore — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 08:10:20 +0000

Scandit, a global leader in smart data capture, has announced the acquisition of shelf audit automation technology from MarketLab, a Polish company specialising in image recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) software for the retail industry. The deal also sees MarketLab’s expert team joining Scandit, further strengthening the company’s capabilities in retail data capture.

MarketLab’s technology, which focuses on fixed camera solutions, will be integrated with Scandit’s existing ShelfView mobile capture approach. This strategic acquisition aims to create a hybrid data capture solution that addresses the retail sector’s pressing challenge of on-shelf availability, a problem estimated to cost the industry around $634 billion annually, according to research by IHL Group.

The newly combined solution will provide retailers with comprehensive insights into on-shelf availability, planogram compliance, and pricing issues, helping to optimise store conditions, increase sales, and minimise revenue losses due to stockouts. The hybrid system leverages both mobile capture—through smartphones or handheld computers—and fixed cameras, offering continuous, high-frequency data capture for near-real-time shelf monitoring. This frees up store associates to focus on higher-value tasks, such as customer engagement.

Samuel Mueller, CEO and co-founder of Scandit, hailed the acquisition as a significant step forward for the company. “This acquisition marks a new milestone in Scandit’s evolution as we broaden our smart data capture capabilities for the retail industry. By integrating MarketLab’s fixed camera-based shelf recognition expertise into ShelfView, we are enhancing our ability to empower retailers to boost store performance, improve associate efficiency, and optimise the monetisation of shelf data with consumer packaged goods (CPG) partners.”

Piotr Wardaszko, CEO of MarketLab, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are delighted to join forces with Scandit. By combining our complementary technologies, we look forward to delivering additional value, return on investment, and insights to grocery retailers globally. This partnership will enhance visibility into shelf conditions, ensure accurate stock availability, and ultimately improve the customer experience.”

Scandit’s ShelfView solution, which already employs advanced computer vision technology, object recognition, and augmented reality, will now benefit from the added capabilities of MarketLab’s fixed camera solutions. This integration is expected to deliver unprecedented accuracy in alerting retailers to rapidly changing shelf conditions, with Scandit’s AI and machine learning capabilities ensuring a 99.7% alert accuracy rate.

The acquisition also positions Scandit for further growth, particularly within the retail sector, where the company already serves eight of the top ten US grocers. MarketLab’s existing client base, including Carrefour Poland, will further bolster Scandit’s market presence. Beyond retail, Scandit sees potential for applying fixed camera technology in other environments, such as warehousing, to automate logistics workflows.

This acquisition follows Scandit’s $150 million Series D investment in 2022, which has accelerated the company’s research and development efforts, particularly in AI and machine learning. Recent product developments, such as ID Validate, ID Bolt, and MatrixScan Find, reflect Scandit’s ongoing commitment to innovation in smart data capture technology.

As Scandit continues to expand its capabilities, the integration of MarketLab’s technology signals a new phase of growth and underscores its position as a leader in smart data capture solutions.

The post Scandit Acquires MarketLab’s Shelf Audit Technology to Enhance Retail Data Capture appeared first on EMC UK.

Lichfield Sees Highest Wage Increase in UK as Regional Pay Grows

Antony Moore — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 09:52:53 +0000

New research by QRFY has revealed that Lichfield has experienced the largest increase in wages across the UK over the past year. The study, based on data from the Office for National Statistics, shows a significant rise in hourly pay in several areas, highlighting a trend of wage growth outside major urban centres.

Lichfield, Staffordshire, topped the list with a 27.39% increase in hourly wages, climbing from £14.97 in 2022 to £19.07 in 2023. This surge marks the most substantial pay rise in the country, reflecting a notable shift in the regional pay landscape.

South Staffordshire followed with a 24.39% increase. The area’s average hourly wage rose from £14.84 to £18.46. Eastbourne in East Sussex took third place, with wages rising by 22.72%, from £16.77 to £20.58.

Watford, Hertfordshire, ranked fourth with a 22.55% increase. The average hourly pays here went up from £18.85 to £23.10. Kingston upon Thames in south-west London completed the top five, where wages increased by 20.54%, from £20.69 to £24.94.

The top ten list also includes Fareham, Wandsworth, Coventry, West Devon, and Havering, all showing significant wage growth over the year. For example, Fareham saw an 18.82% increase in hourly pay, and Wandsworth experienced a 17.92% rise.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QRFY, commented on the findings: “The variety of areas featuring in the top ten indicates that wage growth is not confined to major cities. This trend may lead workers to reconsider the high cost of living in urban areas, especially as regional wages rise and offer more competitive pay.”

The study underscores a shift towards higher wages in less densely populated areas, suggesting a growing balance between urban and regional pay rates.

Rank	Local authority	2022 hourly pay (gross)	2023 hourly pay (gross)	Percentage change
1	Lichfield	£14.97	£19.07	27.39%
2	South Staffordshire	£14.84	£18.46	24.39%
3	Eastbourne	£16.77	£20.58	22.72%
4	Watford	£18.85	£23.10	22.55%
5	Kingston upon Thames	£20.69	£24.94	20.54%
6	Fareham	£17.75	£21.09	18.82%
7	Wandsworth	£19.87	£23.43	17.92%
8	Coventry	£19.29	£22.69	17.63%
9	West Devon	£14.87	£17.48	17.55%
10	Havering	£20.02	£23.51	17.43%

The post Lichfield Sees Highest Wage Increase in UK as Regional Pay Grows appeared first on EMC UK.

Older Workers Key to Economic Recovery, Report Finds

Antony Moore — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:16:30 +0000

Supporting older workers to rejoin the workforce or start their own businesses could significantly boost the UK economy, according to a new report released today. The report, “Access all Areas: Older Workers,” highlights the untapped potential of this demographic in driving economic growth and alleviating fiscal pressures on younger generations.

The research, conducted by Enterprise Nation and The Entrepreneurs Network think tank, underscores that addressing the economic inactivity of older individuals, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for economic recovery. The report warns that failure to engage older workers could hinder economic growth, fuel inflation, and worsen the cost-of-living crisis.

Older Workers’ Potential and Economic Impact

The report reveals that there is a substantial appetite among older individuals to return to the workforce or embark on entrepreneurial ventures. It found that 67% of entrepreneurs over 50 believe that now is a good time to start a business. This enthusiasm highlights a significant opportunity to harness the skills and experience of older generations, which could be pivotal in addressing the UK’s economic challenges.

Emma Jones, CBE, Founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, emphasised the urgency of the situation. “We are at a crossroads,” she said. “The choice is between accepting higher economic inactivity among older people and facing reduced productivity and persistent inflation, or taking proactive steps to reintegrate older individuals into the economy. We believe it is possible to turn things around with the right support.”

Jones pointed out that many older individuals who left the workforce during the pandemic are now seeking ways to return, but they need targeted support. “We should not just aim to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. Our goal should be to create an environment where as many people as possible can contribute to the economy, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.”

Key Findings and Recommendations

The report highlights a concerning trend: the number of people aged 50 to 64 who are economically inactive increased from 3.27 million in early 2020 to 3.56 million in early 2023. This rise in inactivity mirrors broader economic issues, including rising inflation and a shrinking workforce.

To address these challenges, the report offers six recommendations:

Promote Access to Work: Expand the government initiative to support individuals with physical or mental health conditions in finding or staying in work.
Modernise Work Adjustment Passports: Streamline the process by allowing online submissions of necessary documentation.
Address Childcare Costs: Liberalise regulations on childcare to increase the supply of providers and reduce costs, helping older workers balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
Support for Business Start-ups: Provide targeted support for older individuals looking to start businesses, leveraging their financial stability and experience.
Reintroduce and Reform the New Enterprise Allowance: Restore and update the scheme to better support new business ventures, similar to the previous Enterprise Allowance Scheme.
Combat Ageism: Promote an inclusive work culture and tackle age discrimination in hiring processes.

Case Study: Chris Dunn’s Success Story

The report includes a case study of Chris Dunn, a Cambridgeshire-based consultant who launched his own business at the age of 50. Dunn, with extensive experience in senior commercial roles, started his consultancy in 2014 after a successful career in UK manufacturing and technology industries.

Dunn’s business, specialising in business development and change management, has thrived over the past nine years. He has also contributed to mentoring and training, underscoring the value that older individuals can bring to the workforce. “Running my own business has accelerated my learning and professional development,” Dunn said. “There are thousands of over-50s like me who are not ready to retire but are actively supporting the next generation of business leaders. Many more could do so, and this would significantly impact the current skills shortage and productivity crisis.”

Conclusion

The report concludes that there is a vital need for increased support for older workers to fully tap into their economic potential. As the UK faces a series of economic challenges, leveraging the skills and experience of its older workforce could provide a significant boost to productivity and growth.

Eamonn Ives, head of research at The Entrepreneurs Network, emphasised that understanding and addressing the barriers to older workers rejoining the labour force is essential. “Policymakers must explore every avenue to encourage older individuals back into work or entrepreneurship,” he said. “The economic benefits of doing so could be substantial.”

By focusing on these recommendations and harnessing the potential of older workers, the UK can make strides towards a more robust and inclusive economy.

The post Older Workers Key to Economic Recovery, Report Finds appeared first on EMC UK.

Women Outearn Men in Top 10 UK Job Roles, New Research Reveals

Antony Moore — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 11:05:38 +0000

In a surprising shift, new research has identified ten job roles in the UK where women earn more than their male counterparts, with community and civil enforcement occupations leading the way. According to data analysed by personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), women in these roles are not just closing the gender pay gap but reversing it.

The gender pay gap, which measures the difference in median hourly pay between men and women, has long been a benchmark for gender inequality in the workplace. However, the latest analysis highlights specific professions where women are earning significantly more than men.

At the top of the list are community and civil enforcement occupations, where women earn an average of 28.9% more than men. These roles typically involve ensuring that drivers comply with parking regulations by issuing fines. On average, women in these positions earn £16.11 per hour, while men earn £12.50, a difference of £3.61.

Welfare professionals come in second, with a pay gap of 20.9% favouring women. These professionals are involved in mentoring, advocacy, rehabilitation services, and overseeing adoption processes. Women in these roles earn an average hourly wage of £20.77, £3.59 more than their male counterparts, who earn £17.18 per hour.

Third on the list are biological scientists, where the pay gap stands at 20.6%. Women in this field, who study living organisms and their environments, earn £20.30 per hour, while men earn £16.84, resulting in a difference of £3.46 per hour.

Hire services managers and proprietors, who are responsible for managing businesses or teams, rank fourth. In these roles, women earn an average of £14.52 per hour, £2.45 more than men, who earn £12.07. This difference represents a pay gap of 20.3%.

The fifth-ranked role is that of personal assistants and other secretaries. Women in these administrative roles earn £14.37 per hour, compared to men who earn £12.27, marking a 17.1% pay gap in favour of women.

Special needs education teaching professionals are sixth on the list, with women earning 16.8% more than men. These professionals support children with emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties, as well as physical disabilities. Women in this field earn £24.66 per hour, while men earn £21.12.

Veterinarians rank seventh, with a 14.3% pay gap. Women in this role, who treat injuries and illnesses in animals, earn £25.09 per hour, £3.14 more than men, who earn £21.95.

Eighth on the list are occupational therapists, with women earning 13.2% more than men. These professionals assist people with physical, mental, or social disabilities in performing everyday activities. Women in this field earn £20.85 per hour, compared to £18.42 for men.

Social and humanities scientists, who study and analyse human behaviour, rank ninth. Women in this role earn £20.42 per hour, 12.4% more than men, who earn £18.16.

Finally, publicans and managers of licensed premises, such as pubs or bars, are tenth on the list. Women in these roles earn £15.10 per hour, £1.55 more than men, who earn £13.55, resulting in an 11.4% pay gap.

Rank

Job Role

% Pay gap

Community and civil enforcement occupations

28.9

Welfare professionals

20.9

Biological scientists

20.6

Hire services managers and proprietors

20.3

Personal assistants and other secretaries

17.1

Special needs education teaching professionals

16.8

Veterinarians

14.3

Occupational therapists

13.2

Social and humanities scientists

12.4

Publicans and managers of licenced premises

11.4

Michael Dinich, a spokesperson fromWealth of Geeks, commented on the findings: “It is fascinating to see such a drastic difference in hourly pay between men and women in these roles. Many women across the UK may have been the victim of the gender pay gap for years, but it is interesting to see which job roles they are now able to earn more than men; the findings could even inspire a career change for some.”

The findings reveal a significant shift in the traditional gender pay dynamics within these professions, suggesting that in certain areas, women are not only catching up but surpassing men in earnings. This research offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing conversation around pay equity in the workplace.

The post Women Outearn Men in Top 10 UK Job Roles, New Research Reveals appeared first on EMC UK.

Pepperoni is #1 on UK’s Favourite Pizza Topping Chart

Antony Moore — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:44:13 +0000

A recent study has unveiled the UK’s top pizza toppings, with pepperoni emerging as the nation’s favourite. This revelation comes from research conducted by Dutch lifestyle magazine Dailybase, which analysed Google search data for 50 popular pizza toppings in the UK.

Pepperoni Reigns Supreme

Pepperoni has clinched the top spot with an impressive average of 8,682.50 monthly searches. This spicy cured meat, a type of salami typically made from pork or a combination of pork and beef, is flavoured with paprika, chilli, black pepper, garlic, and mixed herbs. Its popularity underscores the British appetite for a bit of spice and bold flavours on their pizzas.

Surprising Second: Anchovy

Anchovies, often considered a more niche topping, have surprisingly secured the second position with 4,786.67 average monthly searches. These small, oily fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their health benefits. The salty, umami-packed flavour of anchovies offers a distinctive taste, proving that adventurous palates are not uncommon among British pizza enthusiasts.

Chicken Claims Third Place

In third place, chicken garners an average of 3,014.17 monthly searches. This versatile meat is beloved for its adaptability to various flavours and cooking styles. A popular variation is the BBQ pulled chicken pizza, often complemented by peppers and onions, reflecting the British preference for hearty and flavourful toppings.

Pineapple: A Divisive Favourite

Pineapple, a topping that often divides opinion, ranks fourth with 2,303.33 average monthly searches. Typically paired with ham to create the classic Hawaiian pizza, pineapple’s sweet and salty combination continues to entice many, despite its controversial reputation.

Classic Mozzarella

Rounding out the top five is mozzarella, with 2,015.00 average monthly searches. This semi-soft cheese, made from cow or buffalo milk, is celebrated for its subtle flavour and stretchy texture when melted. It remains a staple in traditional Margherita pizzas, highlighting the British appreciation for classic and simple ingredients.

Top 5 Favourite Pizza Toppings

Rank	Topping	Average Monthly Search Volume
1	Pepperoni	8,682.50
2	Anchovy	4,786.67
3	Chicken	3,014.17
4	Pineapple	2,303.33
5	Mozzarella	2,015.00

Insights from Dailybase

Daniël de Voer, chief editor of Dailybase, commented on the findings: “One of the reasons why pizza is so popular is how versatile it can be; you can completely customise your toppings to fit your tastes and create a pizza unique to you.”

He continued, “It is fascinating to discover which toppings are the most popular in each country. We can see plenty of influence from different cuisines across Europe, not just from Italy, such as the Mediterranean with the additions of feta, olives, and fish, and even Turkish food, like doner meat making the list in some areas.”

De Voer suggests that the summer season is an ideal time for Britons to experiment with new pizza toppings: “With summer in full swing, if there’s a topping on the list you haven’t tried before, now is the perfect time to see what the hype is about.”

Conclusion

This study underscores the diverse and evolving tastes of British pizza lovers. While traditional favourites like pepperoni and mozzarella continue to dominate, there is also a notable appreciation for more unconventional choices such as anchovies and pineapple. As pizza remains a beloved staple in the UK, the variety of popular toppings highlights the nation’s culinary curiosity and willingness to explore new flavours.

For more information, visit https://www.dailybase.com/.

The post Pepperoni is #1 on UK’s Favourite Pizza Topping Chart appeared first on EMC UK.

UK Financial Services Hindered by Lack of Real-Time Data, New Report Reveals

Antony Moore — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 08:27:37 +0000

London – A new study by ActiveOps, a leading provider of AI-powered Decision Intelligence for service operations, has exposed a troubling trend within the UK financial services sector: decision paralysis is significantly hampering operations due to a lack of real-time data. The report, titled “Ready or Not AI is Here,” highlights the critical challenges faced by operational leaders as they struggle to make timely, data-driven decisions.

According to the research, 90% of operational leaders are not utilising real-time data for critical decision-making. Alarmingly, nearly one-third rely on data that is at least one week old, while 46% express distrust in their current operational data. These issues are exacerbated by inconsistent terms and metrics, further undermining confidence in data-driven decisions.

Kuljit Bawa, Managing Director of EMEIA at ActiveOps, commented on the findings: “It is clear from our research that operations have serious problems with data. Many have invested heavily in process reengineering and automation to drive efficiencies and support digitisation strategies but have failed to address the fundamental data problem. Managing in an environment of spreadsheets, data silos, and decision making by hunch is not tenable. Operations teams can’t achieve their goals if these challenges and barriers remain. For consumers, this translates to continued high costs, slow delivery, and poor customer engagement.”

The research, which surveyed over 800 Chief Operations Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and Senior Heads of Operations across the globe – including the UK, Republic of Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – paints a concerning picture of the current data landscape and AI adoption within financial services operations.

Key findings from the report include:

90% of operational leaders are not using real-time data for critical decisions.
30% base decisions on data that is at least one week old.
85% face significant challenges in extracting insights from operational data.
46% do not trust their current operational data.
42% experience challenges with inconsistent terms and metrics.

The situation is particularly acute in the UK, where one in three operations leaders in finance report being unable to access the data needed for real-time decisions. Additionally, 41% describe their data as irrelevant, and 46% do not trust it. One of the most significant issues cited is the overwhelming volume of data, with 44% of leaders struggling to manage it effectively.

“Basing critical decisions on insights that are incomplete, inaccurate, and weeks old puts operations on the back foot,” continued Bawa. “In today’s world, where customer demands are so high, the speed of decision-making to drive productivity and efficiencies becomes a competitive advantage. This leads to faster turnaround times, reduced overtime, limited staff burnout, and the avoidance of costly SLA breaches.”

Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition of the potential benefits of accessible, relevant, and real-time data. AI is seen as a key enabler, offering the ability to transform operations through predictive and prescriptive insights.

Bawa concluded: “AI has the potential to transform the world of operations, and confidence from operational leaders seems high. However, data holds the key not only to automate processes but also to support human decision-making via predictive and prescriptive insight in real-time.”

The report underscores the urgency for financial services organisations to embrace new technologies that can provide real-time, accurate data. Those that adapt and flex to integrate AI and other advanced technologies will be better positioned to dominate the market, while those that do not risk being left behind, hampered by decision paralysis and inefficient operations.

As financial services continue to navigate the challenges of the digital age, the ability to make swift, informed decisions will be paramount. The insights from the ActiveOps research serve as a stark reminder of the importance of real-time data and the transformative power of AI in driving operational success and customer satisfaction.

The post UK Financial Services Hindered by Lack of Real-Time Data, New Report Reveals appeared first on EMC UK.

UK Dismisses South Africa’s Genocide Accusations Against Israel

Antony Moore — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:12:14 +0000

In recent UN proceedings, South Africa has accused Tel Aviv of committing “genocidal acts” during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, in an interview on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, unequivocally rejected these allegations, describing them as “unfounded.”

The accusations arise from Israel’s military response to a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in a three-month bombing campaign in Gaza. The toll on civilians has been severe, with tens of thousands of deaths and a profound humanitarian crisis.

Lord Cameron expressed his disagreement with South Africa’s position, characterizing their actions as “misguided” and “counterproductive.” He stressed the necessity of proving intent when discussing genocide, defending Israel’s actions as acts of self-defense following the October 7 attack.

While acknowledging he is not a legal expert, Lord Cameron stated, “They are talking here about genocide. To prove that, you’ve got to prove that there was intent.” He further emphasized, “Even if you take a different view to mine, to look at Israel – a democracy, a country with the rule of law, a country with armed forces committed to obeying the rule of law – to say that they have the intent to commit genocide, I think that is unfounded, I think that’s incorrect.”

When pressed by Trevor Phillips on the challenge of determining intent based solely on actions, Lord Cameron remained steadfast, asserting, “To say there’s the intent to commit genocide, I do believe that’s inaccurate.”

In response to the alleged genocidal acts, South Africa has called for the emergency suspension of Israel’s aerial and ground offensive, contending that Israel aims to induce “the destruction of the population” of Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these allegations, accusing South Africa of siding with Hamas and portraying them as the “advocate of the devil.” Israel maintains that its military operations target militants, not civilians.

This diplomatic impasse raises questions about the international community’s role in mediating conflicts and ensuring the protection of civilian lives during heightened tensions. The United Nations now faces the challenge of navigating conflicting narratives and seeking a resolution to prevent further escalation in the region.

The disagreement between South Africa and the UK underscores the complexity of international relations and the challenges in reaching a consensus on matters of conflict. As the debate unfolds within diplomatic circles, the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a pressing concern, emphasising the necessity for swift efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

The post UK Dismisses South Africa’s Genocide Accusations Against Israel appeared first on EMC UK.

Labour Extends Lead in Latest YouGov Polls, Adding Pressure on Struggling Conservatives

Antony Moore — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:42:24 +0000

The Conservative Party faces another setback as the most recent YouGov polls reveal an expanding gap between Labour and the ruling party. Data collected from over 2,000 respondents between January 2 and January 3 paints a challenging picture for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose popularity continues to decline.

According to the polls, only 22% of respondents would support the Tories, indicating a two-percentage-point decrease compared to a poll conducted at the end of 2023. Conversely, Labour has experienced a surge in support, reaching an impressive 46% in the same poll—a three-percentage-point increase in just two weeks.

The Liberal Democrats maintain a stable position with 10% support, while Reform UK faces a drop from 11% to 9%. The Green Party also experiences a slight setback, decreasing one percentage point to 7%, and the SNP remains stable at 3%.

For Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, this news compounds an already challenging start to 2024. Having failed to fulfill four out of his five pledges for 2023, Sunak’s credibility took another hit when he suggested that a general election might not happen until October, contrary to earlier expectations.

Criticism against Sunak has been mounting on social media platforms, with users on X (formerly Twitter) accusing him of disseminating misleading claims about his policies and promoting “nonsense” to voters.

The dissatisfaction with Sunak is not limited to party lines; the YouGov poll indicates that the public overwhelmingly favors Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Approximately 30% of voters support the Labour leader, compared to only 18% supporting Sunak.

A separate YouGov poll further reveals a prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction among the British public. Three-quarters of respondents believe that the UK is in a worse state now compared to when the Conservative Party took office in 2010. Among these, 41% consider the current situation much worse, while 34% believe it is somewhat worse.

In a poignant moment for the Conservative Party, Tory MP Danny Kruger, co-founder of the New Conservatives, issued a stark warning during a private event. Kruger acknowledged the public’s narrative that, over the past 13 years, things have worsened. Despite praising accomplishments such as free schools and Brexit, he emphasized that if the Tories exit office soon, they risk leaving the country “sadder, less united, and less conservative than when we found it.”

The poll results align with Kruger’s cautionary words, reflecting a growing sense of disillusionment among voters. As the political landscape continues to shift, Labour’s increasing lead suggests that the Conservatives face an uphill battle in regaining public trust and steering the country towards a more optimistic future.

The post Labour Extends Lead in Latest YouGov Polls, Adding Pressure on Struggling Conservatives appeared first on EMC UK.