Development of corporate governance

By Richard Black Published 19 February 2012 comments Comments Share close Share page Copy link About sharing The government should increase support for wave and tidal power to preserve the UK's global leadership, say MPs. The Energy and Climate Change Committee says the UK had in the past lost its early lead on wind power through lack of support, and must not make the same mistake again on marine energy. Its report recommends increasing funding and improving links between UK and Scottish programmes. The Carbon Trust recently said marine power could create 10,000 jobs by 2020. By 2050, it said, the global market could be worth £340bn, with the UK claiming about one-fifth of the business. And with the UK possessing seven out of the eight large-scale prototypes deployed anywhere in the world, it was well-placed to lead the global race, the MPs said. … [Read more...] about Wave and tidal power need support, say MPs

By Justin Parkinson Published 15 April 2015 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing In 1955 the first McDonald's franchise restaurant opened in the US. Now it is the world's biggest fast food chain, employing 1.9 million people. The word "McJob" has become a term of derision, but what's it like to actually work there? "Hello, can I help you?" asks the smiling young woman behind the counter. Within about 20 seconds of receiving the order, an Egg and Sausage McMuffin is on the counter. The woman smiles again and moves on to the next customer. The restaurant's only part-full but the serving area is still busy. That's the way McDonald's likes it. Staff are set time targets for service. Efficiency and profit margins are key. It's fair to say that, in the 60 years since the first franchised McDonald's restaurant opened, portrayals of its workplaces have not been universally … [Read more...] about What’s it really like to work at McDonald’s?

By Rachel Flint Published 15 August 2021 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic There are fears rules making it easier for pop-up campsites to open during the Covid pandemic have led to a "free-for-all", harming rural communities. Landowners can open campsites for up to 56 days without planning permission, after rules were relaxed. While owners say the sites are boosting tourism, some residents claim their communities have been damaged after campsites "sprang up overnight". The Welsh government said the rules were helping the tourism sector. With more people holidaying within the UK this summer, because of Covid rules on travel abroad, demand for camping in parts of Wales has risen , with reports of popular sites being booked up for months. During the pandemic the Welsh government temporarily relaxed planning … [Read more...] about Covid: Pop-up campsite rules ‘harming communities’

Published 26 February 2021 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing An NHS body's assistant director has been criticised for comparing the treatment of non-Welsh speakers to "apartheid". James Moore, of Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), said it was time to "stand up to oppressors". The comments were posted on social media in a discussion about plans to change a Carmarthen primary school from English to Welsh medium. Welsh language commissioner Aled Roberts said the remarks were "wrong". HEIW said it was "aware" of Mr Moore's comments. A spokesman said: "They were made in a personal capacity and in no way a professional one. "HEIW does not condone or endorse any of the comments made. "It would not be appropriate for us to comment on internal discussions with an individual employee." Nation Cymru said Mr Roberts said: "Making a comparison … [Read more...] about Criticism over English speaker ‘apartheid’ post

Published 10 June 2021 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing McDonald's has won a planning row with a local authority in Wales over English-language digital screens at one of its restaurants. Gwynedd council last year refused the fast food giant permission for larger screens at its Caernarfon drive-thru on grounds of Welsh language requirements. All public signs in the county are required to be in Welsh and English. However, the council has backed down after McDonald's argued the site already included bilingual signs. McDonald's said the restaurant also included self-service ordering facilities in Welsh. "Within the McDonald's restaurant are facilities for customers to order their meals in a number of different languages on the self order kiosk and are proud that this has allowed members of the public to order in Welsh," the company said. Park's concern over … [Read more...] about McDonald’s wins English-only sign row at Caernarfon drive-thru