The Businesses Bucking The Return-to-office Trend

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Almost three years on from the pandemic, the world seems to be back to normal, but not everyone is happy with the return to the office.

In early March, the retailer Boots informed its office-based staff that it would require them to be back in work five days a week from September. Its CEO, Seb James, argued that the office is "more fun and inspiring" when everyone is there, claiming it is better for company culture.

He is not the only boss insisting staff make a return to the office. Virgin Media O2 Business's Movers Index reveals that four in 10 companies are back in the office full time, while even more are insisting staff decrease the number of days they work from home.

This push for an office return comes despite the introduction of the Flexible Working Bill, which came into effect on 6 April. It grants workers the right to request flexible working – which could be location or hours – from day one of a new job.

And it is even though staff want to work flexibly. As Peter Cheese, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), explains: "Expectations of our workforces have changed and the opportunity to work in flexible ways is high on people's list when looking at job opportunities.

"Supporting flexible working is now an important part of the employee value proposition in attracting talent, but also in retaining them."

Like many companies, HR firm Employment Hero introduced remote-working policies during the pandemic out of necessity. But it soon began to question why it previously had a "magnet to the office"?

It now offers a policy that lets people work from wherever they like within a fixed time zone. That is to enable cross-team and company-wide communications, which UK MD Kevin Fitzgerald says is increasingly important as the business expands globally.

S Joel Involvement In Lauren Disappearance ⁘Sealed⁘ After Huge Clues | TV & Radio | Showbiz...

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Fans have taken to social media to highlight a series of clues that they believe "prove" Joel is responsible for Lauren's disappearance.

Viewers may remember that earlier this year, a jewelers receipt tumbled out of Joel's wallet, leading to speculation about its origin. The receipt carried a December date and indicated a hefty expenditure.

In Monday's episode, Roy was troubled by forgotten details from a past conversation between him, Lauren and Max Turner at the cafe counter. Later in the week, however, he recalls a crucial detail and engages solicitor Dee-Dee.

He informs her about Lauren's necklace and conjectures that if the necklace's source can be traced, they might find her mysterious boyfriend who holds the key to her whereabouts.

Joel's previously discovered jewellers receipt hints at a connection to Lauren's necklace, arousing curiosity among fans. One viewer took their speculations to social media stating: "My guess is the jewellery receipt that Dee Dee found at Christmas will turn out to be Lauren's necklace, well that's what I think anyway."

Mulberry Reveals Luxury Sales Slump As High-end Shoppers Tighten Purse Strings

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Luxury handbag manufacturer Mulberry has reported a dip in annual sales as high-end shoppers cut back on spending.

The British company disclosed a 4% decrease in group revenues for the year ending March 30, attributing the slump to worsening trading conditions in the final quarter. The decline in sales occurred ⁘against a backdrop of challenging macro-economic conditions and a decline in luxury consumer spending⁘.

In the UK, retail sales fell by 3.2%, while trade in China was also affected by economic uncertainty and a reduced number of luxury shoppers visiting stores in the region. Somerset-based Mulberry cautioned that there is no immediate resolution to the trading difficulties in the UK and China.

In the UK, trading difficulties have been exacerbated after the Government abolished VAT-free shopping for tourists a few years ago, a decision that particularly impacted luxury retailers who depend on wealthy tourists. Several luxury retailers, including Mulberry and Burberry, have previously attributed the abolition of tax-free spending to weaker sales in the UK, with consumers opting to spend more on luxury goods in other European cities.

Partners Unveils Net-Zero, Mixed-Use Development In London, UK

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Foster + Partners' development in Bankside, London , has just been granted planning approval. Designed in collaboration with Lipton Rogers and real estate developer Hines , the Southwark Council has just agreed to proceed with the development. Titled "18 Blackfriars Road", the project aims to revitalize a neglected two-acre brownfield site that has sat vacant for two decades.

Prioritizing sustainability, 18 Blackfriars Road is set to stand as an example of net-zero carbon operation, relying entirely on electric power and ground source heat pumps to fulfill 95% of its heating needs. The scheme is designed to provide affordable housing, free workspace for local entrepreneurs, and a cultural center for the community. On track to become the first high-rise project in the UK to achieve the WELL community Gold Standard , the project aims to achieve enhanced health and well-being.

With a focus on biodiversity , the project aims to increase greenery by planting around 100 new trees, further enhancing the area's ecological footprint. Creating a good standard for the surrounding community, the development aims to become a benchmark for a premium workspace in London while also contributing to the city's status as a global hub for culture , education, and commerce.

Carter Is Finally Caught Out

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Freya rails against her dad and his plans to leave the village, while John Paul and Hannah search for Lucas. Hannah tells John Paul she blackmailed Carter.

Elsewhere, Pride is in full swing with Prince and Hunter at the decks. Zoe is confused when Dilly gets an urgent call and has to leave. Prince comforts Dilly, who reveals it is Rafe's birthday.

Also today, Cindy tries on her wedding dress. She tells Lizzie she is worried about getting married again and then a worrying sign happens when she spills wine on her wedding gown.

British Actress Juliet Stevenson Says What's Happened In Gaza Since Oct.

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Famed British actress Juliet Stevenson said she was appalled by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas, but what has been happening in the Gaza Strip since then is "catastrophic and barbaric."

Known for her BAFTA nominated role in Truly, Madly, Deeply and her appearances in Bend It Like Beckham, Emma and Mona Lisa Smile, Stevenson expressed her solidarity with the people of Palestine in Gaza.

In an interview with Anadolu ahead of the recent National March for Palestine in London, she noted that the situation is "so desperate" for everyone in the region, especially Gazans.

According to Stevenson, the war is being "waged by a few people in power whose interests" it would seem to serve, but not those of ordinary people.

Not Into Skinny Jeans? The Timeless Straight-Leg Is For You

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The skinny jean revival isn't for everyone. I, for one, am opting out. Been there, done that, and I don't want to do it again. I can, however, get on board with straight-leg jeans, as they are the perfect middle-ground between a skinny and a looser style, with a flattering fit that is both versatile and comfortable.

Read on for some of the best straight-leg jeans available now – both new-season and vintage – which offer a promising alternative to those trending, air-brushed skinnies.