Simon Anderson is a London-based television and online video streaming news reporter and correspondent with a demonstrated history of live television reporting, on-location and breaking news coverage.

PCS national strike: Coordination is key!

22 May 2023  |  The Communist  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

PCS union has mobilized over 130,000 civil servants and public sector workers in strikes against the cost-of-living crisis and Tory austerity measures. Despite government efforts to undermine the strikes, the union has seen strong turnout and support, with 88% backing walkouts in recent ballots. The article emphasizes the need for coordinated action with other unions, particularly in local government, teaching, and health sectors, to strengthen the fight against the Tory government. It also criticizes internal sectarianism within the union and advocates for a unified, bold socialist program to challenge the current government and capitalist system.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Austerity Labour Strikes

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Far Left

Political View

Mark Andrews is a journalist based in Shanghai, China.

He writes extensively about the Chinese car industry and has also done test drive reviews for many magazines and newspapers around the world. 

In addition Mark Andrews writes articles about travel, food and drink, and various business ...

James Appleby is a journalist and author. His articles on the wildlife of the United Kingdom have been published in Euronews and New Nature.

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MAINTAINING THE HUMAN CONNECTION - GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE - Issue 219 – JANUARY 2023

15 Jan 2024  |  theHRDIRECTOR  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article discusses the shift in focus from productivity to employee wellbeing and social benefits in the context of home and hybrid working. It highlights the complexities of the post-pandemic workplace, where businesses struggle with the practicalities of hybrid working and the differing needs of their employees. The author argues that while home working may offer flexibility, it can also lead to isolation and a lack of social interaction, which are crucial for employee happiness and performance. The article emphasizes the importance of in-person work for fostering relationships, collaboration, and assessing team wellbeing. It suggests that HR leaders should focus on creating a workplace culture that values social interactions and addresses the emotional needs of employees to ensure a successful transition into the new era of work.

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Cost-of-Living Crisis Workplace Culture Hybrid Working Employee Wellbeing Home Working Productivity Social Benefits The Great Resignation

Olivia Atkins is a freelance journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She tends to write mainly about advertising, creativity and new technology, having worked on news and feature stories for various online and print publications.

What Do Xmas Ads Say About The Mood of The Nation And The Industry?

01 Dec 2022  |  creative.salon  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

Christmas ads of 2022 reflect a mix of nostalgia, emotion, and humor, addressing the cost-of-living crisis by emphasizing themes of giving back and spending time with family. Brands like Asda and Aldi evoke nostalgia, while John Lewis and Co-Op focus on caring acts and community support. Despite financial challenges, advertisers aim to bring joy and optimism, with successful ads resonating through relatable and common experiences.

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Cost-of-Living Crisis Advertising Christmas

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Natalie Chalk is a UK-based journalist who works on the news desk of the Daily Mail. She also works as Late Breaking News Editor at inews on weekends. Prior to this she has contributed articles to The Mail on Sunday, The Big Issue, The Guardian, Daily Express, Sunday Mirror, Women’s Health, TNT ...

The race to take a holiday!

11 Aug 2023  |  Chalkmarks  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article discusses various aspects of travel and tourism, highlighting the fluctuating trends in holiday bookings among Britons due to economic factors and weather conditions. Advantage Travel Partnership notes an increase in bookings to escape the rain, with Spain and Greece being popular destinations. WeBuyAnyCar's poll indicates a preference for staycations, while the Liberal Democrats' poll suggests that the cost-of-living crisis is preventing some from holidaying. Global Airlines is launching a new service promising affordable luxury, and Wizz Air's CEO defends his substantial bonus. Tui reports increased holiday prices and high demand despite the impact of wildfires. Gatwick faces potential strike disruptions, and the article also touches on the ongoing wildfires in Europe and Hawaii. Dark tourism and budget travel tips are also covered, with a look back at last year's travel trends and costs. The article concludes with a playful mention of travel on Isla Mujeres and encourages following their social media for more updates.

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Cost-of-Living Crisis Travel and Tourism Staycations Airline Industry Executive Compensation Wildfires and Natural Disasters Travel Safety Dark Tourism Budget Travel Historical Travel Prices Social Media

Mostafa Darwish is an  award winning Egyptian visual journalist currently based in Ireland. 
In 2019, Darwish won the Thomson Foundation’s mobile journalism (‘mojo’) competition, for his report on Egypt’s sharp fare increases to an already inadequate train system. 
Since beginning his career at ...

Dogs Trust: Animal shelters in Ireland in a 'crisis' made worse by housing and cost

06 May 2023  |  www.buzz.ie  |  English  |  Housing Crisis

Animal shelters in Ireland are in a crisis due to an overwhelming number of dogs being surrendered. Ciara Murran from Dogs Trust in Dublin highlights the challenges faced by her organization and others, with over 1,000 requests to surrender dogs in the first three months of 2023, a 40% increase from the previous year. The situation is exacerbated by the housing and cost-of-living crises. Dogs Trust staff are struggling to manage the situation, often unable to take in more dogs due to limited resources.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Housing Crisis Animal Welfare

Informative

Factuality Scale

Charlotte Elton is a freelance journalist based in London. Previously she worked as a state politics and health reporter at The West Australian, WA's major masthead. Skilled at feature writing, breaking news, and investigative work.

Tory candidate shared sweary post attacking struggling parents

18 Oct 2023  |  The Big Issue  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article discusses the negative portrayal of people on welfare in the UK, highlighting the criticism of a Tory candidate's comments on benefit recipients. Experts from organizations like Turn2us and Disabled People Against Cuts argue that poverty is driven by factors such as the cost-of-living crisis, not luxury spending. The Trussell Trust forecasts an increased demand for food banks this winter. The article also touches on the broader issue of negative stereotypes about benefit recipients in British politics, mentioning a government campaign against benefit fraud and comments by the deputy Conservative Party chairman. The Tamworth by-election context is provided, with the resignation of Chris Pincher and the challenge faced by Labour candidate Sarah Edwards to win the seat.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Poverty Welfare System Political Commentary By-election

Samir Jeraj is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He works as a Special Projects Writer for the New Statesman and has worked on freelance assignments for the Guardian, BBC News, Channel 4 News, The Metro, Inside Housing and the British Medical Journal. He co-authored The Rent Trap, a ...

How general practice is paying for the cost-of-living crisis

14 Mar 2024  |  www.bmj.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

General practitioners in the UK are increasingly addressing health issues caused by poverty, such as malnutrition and mental health conditions. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's 2024 report highlights that six and a half million people in the UK were in deep poverty in 2021-22, with four million experiencing destitution. The healthcare sector is feeling the impact of the country's failure to address poverty.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Healthcare Poverty

Informative

Factuality Scale

Multimedia journalist (print/audio/video) -  BBC, Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, Global Post, Forbes, European Voice (now politico.eu) and many others. Westminster-based - over the past decade, I have covered subjects as diverse as Brexit, Scottish independence, Canadian native rights, narco-...

Who is the man driving UK’s ongoing rail strikes?

08 Aug 2022  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

Mick Lynch, the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), is at the forefront of the UK's ongoing rail strikes, advocating for better pay and conditions for rail workers amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Lynch's straightforward communication style has garnered significant public support, despite media attempts to vilify him. The strikes are part of a broader wave of industrial action, with Lynch criticizing both the government and the Labour Party for their handling of workers' rights. As the situation evolves, Lynch remains focused on securing a favorable deal for RMT members.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Rail Strikes Industrial Action

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Pasi Myohanen is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Britain is facing a severe cost-of-living crisis - 'I don't know how we will cope,' says the mother of a Finnish-British family of caregivers

11 Jul 2022  |  Yle.fi  |  Finnish  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

Britain is experiencing the highest inflation among the G7, exacerbated by Brexit, which has particularly affected the poorest. The Heikkinen-McEvoy family, a Finnish-British caregiver family, is struggling with soaring living costs, as their disabled daughter relies on electricity-dependent medical devices. Brexit has contributed to higher food prices, labor shortages, and increased import/export bureaucracy. Economic forecasts for Britain are bleak, with the OECD predicting slow growth. The government's support for households affected by the cost-of-living crisis has been relatively minimal, leaving low-income families vulnerable. The Heikkinen-McEvoy family has actively campaigned for more support and sent a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but the assistance received has been deemed insufficient.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Brexit Inflation

Informative

Factuality Scale

I’m a highly experienced journalist and editor with over ten years of professional publishing experience and a deep understanding and passion for the written word. Currently based in Leeds, I’ve crafted all kinds of copy for varying audiences, and I generally specialise in technology, medical, ...

I buy groceries for my family at Aldi about once a month

17 Mar 2024  |  ca.style.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article is a personal account of shopping at Aldi, a budget supermarket in the UK. The author, Matt Ng, describes his monthly routine of purchasing groceries for his family at Aldi, emphasizing the store's affordability and the variety of products available. He notes Aldi's weekly sales, the Super 6 deal on fruits and vegetables, and the availability of premium meats and fresh herbs. The article also touches on Aldi's energy-saving measures, such as reduced lighting, and the impact of Brexit on produce availability. The author compares Aldi to Lidl, another supermarket, and appreciates Aldi's selection and the savings it offers during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK. The middle aisle of Aldi, known for its random bargain items, is highlighted as a place to find unexpected deals.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Shopping Experience Grocery Stores Budget Shopping Supermarket Deals

Oliver Pickup is an award-winning journalist, copywriter, ghostwriter and broadcaster based in London, United Kingdom. 

Over the last decade his work appeared in all the national newspapers in England, and he has contributed to numerous multinational magazines and websites. 

More recently (...

‘Full-time no experience’: How cost-of-living crisis is shaping labor trends

13 Mar 2023  |  oliverpickup.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

New data from Indeed shows that the cost-of-living crisis is influencing labor trends, with a significant increase in searches for 'full-time no experience' positions, zero-hour contracts, and weekly pay. In the UK, searches for zero-hour contracts rose by 70%, part-time work by 65%, 'weekend-only' by 120%, weekly pay by 122%, 'full-time no experience' by 219%, and 'support worker no experience' by 337%. These trends suggest that recruitment models, learning and development, and employee experience need urgent modernization to meet workers' changing needs.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Labor Trends

Informative

Factuality Scale

Raphael Rashid is a freelance journalist based in Seoul, South Korea.

Having pursued Korean Studies at an undergraduate (SOAS, University of London) and graduate (Korea University) level, Raphael has a solid understanding about Korea, inter-Korean relations, and the Korean language.

Raphael ...

Global Grocery Shopping: A Look at Supermarket Chains and Consumer Trends

01 Apr 2023  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article discusses the grocery shopping habits and supermarket landscapes in seven different countries: France, Japan, the UK, South Korea, Canada, Taiwan, and Sweden. It highlights the dominance of a few major chains in each country, the impact of food inflation on consumer behavior, and the various responses by governments and regulatory bodies. In France, hypermarkets are prevalent, and there's a focus on local produce. Japan has a complex distribution system and a trend towards online shopping. The UK's supermarkets are class signifiers, with a shift towards discount chains due to rising food prices. South Korea emphasizes convenience with a mix of traditional markets and online platforms. Canada faces skepticism towards its 'cozy oligopoly' of grocery chains. Taiwan has a blend of supermarkets and traditional wet markets, with concerns over inflation and food origins. Sweden's market is under scrutiny by regulators due to limited competition and rising food prices.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Grocery Shopping Trends Supermarket Chains Consumer Behavior Food Inflation Online Grocery Shopping Local Produce Class Signifiers in Grocery Shopping Convenience Stores Distribution Systems Regulatory Responses to Market Dominance Traditional Markets Food Price Fixing Oligopolistic Markets

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

After French Election, Voters Are Resigned to Cost-of-Living Crisis

11 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

French voters are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, marked by rising prices for essentials like food, gas, and electricity. Despite government efforts to cap energy prices and increase wages, many citizens feel their purchasing power has eroded. This economic strain has led to increased support for Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party, which has pledged to address these issues. The recent parliamentary elections resulted in a gridlocked National Assembly, leaving many voters skeptical about the government's ability to alleviate their financial struggles.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis French Elections Inflation

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Far Right

Political View

Servet Yanatma is a freelace journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Real minimum wages fell in most EU member states as inflation reached its highest levels. Where in Europe is feeling this the most?

08 Feb 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Cost-of-Living Crisis

The article discusses the impact of inflation on real minimum wages across the European Union and Turkey. In 2022, inflation rates in the EU soared to the highest levels in four decades, leading to a cost-of-living crisis, especially for low-income households. Despite nominal increases in minimum wages in many EU countries, the real minimum wages, which account for inflation, have decreased. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has highlighted the need for regular revisions of minimum wages to protect the standard of living for low-paid workers. The article provides detailed statistics on the minimum wages in EU member states, both in nominal terms and adjusted for purchasing power standard (PPS), and notes that real minimum wages have fallen in most of Europe over the past year, with the highest decline in Latvia at 18.2 percent. The OECD has called for regular updates to minimum wages to ensure they remain effective during times of high inflation.

Tags:

Cost-of-Living Crisis Inflation Minimum Wage Economic Policy