The bosses of a northern company have been praised online after deciding to give their entire team a pay rise to help with the cost of living crisis.
Seeing how price hikes in energy are affecting people, RotaCloud co-founders Joel Beverley, James Lintern and David Brandon wanted to do something to help their staff.
After sitting down and putting their heads together, the trio behind the York-based company decided they would give the entire team a £1,500 pay rise to make sure they could all still afford to pay their bills and maintain the same standard of living they’d enjoyed before, reports The Hoot.
Speaking to The Mirror, James said: “We’re all painfully aware of the increase in the cost of living, so as a business we wanted to help shoulder some of the pressure that everyone is feeling.
“As well as promotions and planned pay rises, we wanted to give the whole team some extra support, so we’ve introduced a company-wide pay boost of £1,500, effective retroactively from the beginning of the month.
ADVERTISEMENT
Image: RotaCloud
The enormous energy price hike, created when energy regulator Ofgem raised its price cap by £693 on 1 April, has led to energy prices increasing by 53% in the space of a month.
It comes alongside increases in council tax, water bills, national insurance, broadband costs and mobile phone charges.
Energy companies such as BP and Shell have reported record profits since the price increase, and some have even called on the government to introduce a windfall tax to help the poorest in the UK pay their bills.
However, for now, at least, no real government support has been forthcoming for those faced with the choice of heating or eating and benefits have not been increased in line with inflation – although there are some indications that the Treasury may be looking again at proposals for a windfall tax.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rishi Sunak has previously talked about the possibility of introducing such a tax if investment from energy companies was not forthcoming, but has held out until now.
The Chancellor previously said in an interview: “What I would say is that if we don’t see that type of investment coming forward and companies are not going to make those investments in our country and in our energy security, then, of course, that’s something I would look at and nothing is ever off the table in these things.”
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2022 
