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Nearly six pubs closed a week last year with 4,500 jobs lost amid rising costs

NEARLY six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.

In total, 289 boozers closed in 2024, resulting in 4,500 job losses.

Friends toasting beer glasses at a pub.
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Nearly six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs[/caption]
Illustration of the Save Our SUPS campaign logo.
Our Save Our Sups campaign helps boozers

The number of English and Welsh pubs fell to 45,345, from 47,613 in 2019.

Industry leaders said closures were avoidable but had been forced by crippling energy bills.

They are calling on ministers to step in when the business rates discount for hospitality businesses is slashed in April.

And with the National Insurance rise and minimum wage boost, the British Beer and Pub Association warned of an additional £650million hit.

The Sun’s Save Our Sups campaign is calling on ministers to throw a lifeline to boozers.

The BBPA’s Emma McClarkin said: “The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.

“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.”

Two pints of bitter ale on a wooden barrel.
In total, 289 boozers closed in 2024, resulting in 4,500 job losses
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Businesses planning ‘most brutal round of job cuts in a decade’ after Labour’s tax rises

BUSINESSES are planning the most brutal round of job cuts in a decade to offset Labour’s tax rises, a survey reveals.

A third of employers are preparing to slash staff through redundancies or reduced hiring, while two in five say they will raise prices.

Close-up of a UK National Insurance number card.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ £25billion hike to employers’ National Insurance from April is tanking confidence, say business leaders
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The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ £25billion hike to employers’ National Insurance from April is tanking confidence.

Its analysis of more than 2,000 firms found a “sharp increase in redundancy intentions” since her October Budget.

Chief executive Peter Cheese warned: “These are the most significant downward changes in employer sentiment we’ve seen in the last ten years, outside of the pandemic.

“Employer confidence has been impacted by planned changes to employment costs, and employment indicators are heading in the wrong direction.

“Businesses have had time to digest these impending changes, with many now planning to reduce headcount, raise prices and cut investment in workforce training.”

Labour’s growth mission is also at risk, with a quarter of firms warning they will scrap plans to expand.

But Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio: “Stick with us, this is the right platform for the UK.”

A Federation of Small Businesses survey found firms’ confidence hit its lowest recorded point outside the pandemic in last year’s fourth quarter.

Rachel Reeves, MP, speaking at the CBI Conference.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves whose October budget has led to ‘sharp increase in redundancy intentions’[/caption]

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Shirley Ballas joins fellow stars in backing new NHS breast cancer screening initiative and urges people to get checked

STRICTLY’S Shirley Ballas today joins fellow stars in backing a new NHS breast cancer screening initiative.

Telly’s Julia Bradbury and Victoria Derbyshire will join her in writing personal letters to patients — in the first initiative of its kind.

Shirley Ballas at an awards ceremony.
Shirley Ballas will join fellow stars in backing a new NHS breast cancer screening initiative
PA
Victoria Derbyshire at the Women in Film and Television Awards.
Victoria Derbyshire, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, has urged Brits to get screened
Rex

It is hoped the personal touch will get more women patients to take up their first mammogram.

It came as figures showed more than four in ten turned down their first invitation, making it harder to spot cancers early on.

Some 7,500 additional breast cancers could be detected at an earlier stage, when they are more treatable.

BBC Newsnight anchor, Victoria Derbyshire, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, writes in her letter: “I’ve had breast screening multiple times.

“When I was diagnosed, I thought I wouldn’t get to see my two little boys grow up (then aged 8 and 11).

“I thought I wouldn’t get to grow old with my partner Mark.

“I’m still here thanks to the skill of the NHS – 2025 will be 10 years since I was diagnosed.

Breast screening might just help save your life. Please go.”

Women are entitled to their first screening between the ages 50 and 53, then every three years afterwards until the age of 71.

In all, 56,000 breast cancer diagnoses are given every year.

Julia Bradbury in orange jacket, leaning on a stone post, with an Irish landscape in the background.
PA
TV’s Julia Bradbury will join them in writing personal letters to patients[/caption]

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Horoscope today, February 17, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Reviving communication channels could really give individuals and groups a chance to connect again more deeply.

This could be your chance to dig out those old numbers and addresses.

You have togetherness moon spirit, so forgiveness and co-operation are the two mainstays of your day.

an advertisement for mystic meg with maggie innes on monday
Your daily horoscope for Monday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Love has been asking you to look closer at your heart, yet so far you have resisted.

It can be scary to admit you want more or something different, but the time is now.

The answers are all there while Venus is holding your hand.

An ambition linked to “P” may take off in a wrong direction, but this can turn out well.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

All the extra sparkle of Jupiter shines bright in your chart, so you are more sociable than ever.

A scheme to promote events or plan parties can leap forward when you set your imagination free.

As for love, a Leo newcomer enables you to discover pure romance balanced beautifully by absolute trust.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The sun’s last day in makeover mode urges you to find a fresher, more on-trend version of yourself.

This need not cost money, because so many barriers are in your own mind.

Open yourself up to new looks, faces and locations to lift your confidence.

First glimpse of a new home can happen by moonlight.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

The strongest message you send can happen when you say the least but choose to listen to others, no matter what.

Show them you can be trusted and you will always be there.

Together you can take a scary step.

A shared joke among a set of friends could be the starting point for an on-screen drama or comedy.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Show you are ready to take control instead of letting someone or something dictate your personal spending budget.

This may include showing willingness to take figures on board and work out the best way forward.

The freedom is well worth any effort.

Luck visits a door with three handles.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
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Luck seeks out ‘T’[/caption]

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

You are the one who knows what you need – no matter what other people may think.

The moon helps you state this in ways that are caring but also clear.

You may need to keep repeating a wish, but this is how it can come true.

Your passion profile is fixed on finding solutions – and by tonight you can see results.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

List of 12 star signs

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Maybe you are falling out of love with your day-to-day life – but the answer is not to ditch it, but develop it.

Find a little more time for the things and people you love best and focus on those.

Those subtle love signals from “G” that seem so distant can mean something rather special.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

The warm communication skills of the sun are still with you – but only until tonight.

If you have something you need to say, the words will come when the feelings are in line.

Old friends may feel they don’t need proof of respect, but offering it anyway is a smart move.

Luck seeks out “T”.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Everything planet Mercury teaches you is personal and adaptable – you can reset recent information into a form that works well for you, but also includes key people in your life.

Moving forwards does not always mean leaving anything behind.

Love stays stable even if there are ripples underneath.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it
Supplied
The secret you have held on to can be ready to share[/caption]

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Your sunshine is nearing an end, but this can mean new beginnings when you add your name to a list that’s been around for a while but only now starts to look appealing.

Yes, it has changed, but perhaps you have too.

Luck can come when you start to trust your own judgement rather than relying on other people’s.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

The secret you have held on to can be ready to share.

Supply the information a group needs to make a move.

At work, you may need to reveal some skills you have kept in reserve.

At home, instead of working around a weaker person, you can help them grow. In love, being vulnerable does not mean being wrong.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Kellogg’s reveals TWO new cereals scanning at 4 major UK supermarkets for £3.49 – months after ‘tastiest’ breakfast axed

KELLOGG’S has revealed two brand new cereals just months after its “tastiest” popular breakfast staple was axed.

The latest additions to the cereal giant’s lineup are now available at four major UK supermarkets and come with a very reasonable price tag.

Box of Kellogg's Oaties Original Crunch cereal.
Kellogs
Kellogg’s has announced its two new Oaties cereals[/caption]
Kellogg's Oaties Choco Crunch cereal box.
Kellogs
The Original Crunch and Choco Crunch flavours first rolled out to stores in mid-January[/caption]

Kellogg’s Oaties is a new oat-based crunchy cereal that’s perfect for giving a morning energy boost for all ages.

The cereals are available in either Original Crunch or Choco Crunch flavours, both of which are designed to keep their cereal pieces crunchy, even when soaked in milk.

High in fibre, the cereal also has added vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and iron to help your metabolism.

The 500g packs of new cereal, designed for families, are priced at just £3.49 and have been rolled out to Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s stores since mid-January.

Kellogg’s said food developers worked for months to perfect the “unique, multilayered texture” to ensure the crunchiness of each bite.

Oats and cereal flours were carefully blended with “quality ingredients” to make the dough which was gently cooked and shaped into the pillow-like bites, the cereal giant added.

Crucially, both these new flavours are non-HFSS (high in fat, salt, and sugar) and have up to 8.9g of fibre per every 100g of cereal.

The recommended daily intake of fibre is 30g, according to government guidelines.

This now also means that four of the five bestselling cereals from Kellogg’s are non-HFSS: Special K, Coco Pops, Rice Krispies, and Corn Flakes.

Caroline Deeley, R&D Cereal Technical Manager, Kellogg’s, said: “Our world-class R&D team has worked tirelessly to perfect the new Oaties recipe, bringing together delicious flavour, nutrition, and a unique texture that keeps its crunch – something we know cereal fans up and down the country will appreciate.

“It’s also packed with wholegrains from oats, providing morning energy for families to kick start the day, whatever their morning routine looks like.

“It’s been many months in the making, but we’re confident our new Oaties range will be well worth the wait.”

This comes just months after Kellogg’s scrapped one if its most popular breakfast staples.

The cereal maker’s All Bran Golden Crunch vanished from supermarket aisles last summer.

One eagle-eyed shopper noticed the products disappearance at a number of their local stores.

They raised the issue with the company on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The post read: “Hi @kelloggshelp_uk it seems to be impossible to find All Bran Golden Crunch at the supermarkets near me. Have you ceased supply of this?”

Kellogg’s responded confirming the item was no more.

They said: “I’m sorry to disappoint you but this product is set to be discontinued.”

The popular breakfast item consisted of crunchy wheat bran and mixed cereals pieces with a caramel flavour.

It was offered as a sweeter alternative to its Original All Bran, which still remains in stock.

Man shopping for breakfast cereal in a supermarket.
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The new cereals were rolled out to UK supermarkets in mid-January[/caption]

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How Man Utd star’s ‘failure to follow Ruben Amorim’s instructions’ may have cost Red Devils the game at Tottenham

MAN Utd star Diogo Dalot may have cost his side their defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.

The Portuguese defender appeared to lose Son Heung-min in the lead up to Spurs’ goal.

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Ruben Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium[/caption]
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United reacts during a Premier League match.
Alamy
Diogo Dalot appeared to lose Son Heung-min in the build-up to Tottenham’s goal[/caption]
Soccer game in progress, Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United.
Dalot was urged to get tighter to Son before he volleyed for James Maddison to tap home

The South Korean forward’s volley caused panic in the Red Devils’ defence, before James Maddison tapped home from close range.

However, reports say United manager Ruben Amorim urged his fellow countryman to get tighter to Son moments before the goal.

That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who claim the defender failed to listen to his coach’s orders.

Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He saw his side fall to a 1-0 defeat on their travels, their ninth in 21 games under the ex-Sporting Lisbon coach.

During the game, he was seen with his shoulders slumped, arms outstretched at his team’s positioning, and lamented Casemiro for a loose pass.

Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund also felt Amorim’s wrath after he was given offside.

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The defeat was United’s second on the bounce in the Premier League.

However, Amorim was missing 12 players for the game in North London.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir, Kobbie Mainoo, and Jonny Evans are all on the treatment table.

While, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro were both absent because of illness.

Man Utd ratings v Spurs

MANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.

Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.

Andre Onana – 3

United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.

His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.

At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.

Noussair Mazraoui – 5

An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.

Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6

His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.

Harry Maguire – 5

A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.

Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.

Diogo Dalot – 6

A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.

Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.

Patrick Dorgu – 4

A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.

Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.

Casemiro – 5

Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.

Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.

Bruno Fernandes – 5

Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.

Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho – 4

Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.

A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.

Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.

Joshua Zirkzee – 6

The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.

But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.

Rasmus Hojlund – 3

Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?

The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.

He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?

The absentees forced Amorim to name a nine-man bench that included eight teenagers.

That included highly-rated striker Chido Obi, as well as Ayden Heaven who was signed from Arsenal last month.

Incredibly, the only player who had played in the United first team in the past was Victor Lindelof.

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Camp leader claiming £300k compo after she was knocked down by kids playing British Bulldog

A SUMMER camp leader is claiming £300,000 in damages after she was knocked down by kids playing British Bulldog.

Elizabeth Parkin says she suffered a serious leg injury.

Woman holding a Supporting Staff Member of the Year award.
Elizabeth Parkin says she suffered a serious leg injury after she was knocked down by kids playing British Bulldog

She is accusing the owners of Euro Sports Camps of health and safety failures after up to 100 children took part in the impromptu game on a hockey pitch in August 2023.

British Bulldog, where players must stop others running from one zone to another, was hugely popular in school playgrounds but was phased out due to the risk of injury.

Ms Parkin, 45, a pastoral lead at a secondary school in Bournemouth, said another team member organised the game “without risk assessment”.

She arrived at the field during a break in the game and had her back turned when it resumed and a large group of kids charged towards her.

Her claim reads: “A child or children collided into the Claimant, knocking her to the ground, where she sustained injuries.”

She says she was off work until November 2023, still has pain in her left knee and leg, and walks with a limp.

She may need a total knee replacement, the High Court was told.

She is suing CMT Learning, which operates the Euro Sports Camps, after the incident at Bradfield College, Reading, Berks.

Three boys play-fighting on the grass.
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British Bulldog is a game where players must stop others running from one zone to another[/caption]

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UK’s first Universal Studios theme park with 500-room hotel and huge rides ‘to be given final green light in weeks’

THE first Universal Studios theme park in the UK is set to receive the final green light from the government in just weeks.

First revealed in 2023, Universal are hoping to build their first European theme park in the UK.

Universal Studios globe with the word "Universal" on it.
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The town of Bedford will be home to the first Universal theme park in UK (stock image)[/caption]
Hogwarts castle at Universal Studios.
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Rides and attractions based on the British book series Harry Potter are expected to make an appearance[/caption]

The project, which will be 45 miles from London, will plough £14 billion into Treasury coffers in tax revenue in the coming years.

It is understood that the MPs looking at the proposals have signed off already and a final decision about the site is due to be made very shortly.

Only the Treasury is now left to sign off on financial arrangements for the plan, The Mirror reports.

The county of Bedfordshire will be the home of the theme park.

Universal bought a 450-acre site in Kempston Hardwick, just out of Bedford, in December 2023.

The site will hold a 500-room hotel, entertainment zone, train station, and plenty of attractions – so there’s lots to look forward to.

There will also be new transport put in place as tourism in Bedford is bound to increase, including new rail routes to connect towns between Oxford and Cambridge, which are Bedford’s nearest cities.

Plans described Bedford as an “ideal location” due to its convenient transport links.

Bedford can also be easily reached via London, and with its central location, more than half of the UK population can be there within two hours.

Twenty thousand jobs will be created to build the attraction on a 476-acre site to help turbocharge the economy.

The project, which will be 45 miles from London,  will plough £14 billion into Treasury coffers in tax revenue in the coming years.

Treasury coffers would be boosted by an estimated £35 billion to the economy when the Universal project is  being built and for the first 25 years after its doors open.

Tourism Minister Chris Bryant recently told MPs:  “I cannot enter into the precise details of the negotiations, but they are going well.

“I am hopeful that this will be absolutely transformational for the British tourism industry if we manage to pull it off.”

Mohammad Yasin, who represents Bedford in Parliament, recently said: “To have such a huge global brand like Universal Studios invest in Britain would be fantastic.”

As planning is still in the works, there’s no exact time frame we can expect Universal UK to be completed.

But the estimate is that the park won’t be open before 2030 and could take at least six years to build.

There are only five other theme parks across the globe, with none in Europe at the moment.

Universal so far have opened Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Singapore.

With Universal still waiting on permission, here are some other UK based theme parks to enjoy, like Diggerland and Milky way Adventure Park.

Alton Towers has a pirate takeover week during February half term and there’s Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Aerial view of Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Universal Studios Hollywood was the first Universal theme park and opened in 1964[/caption]

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