Without such measures, younger children from richer families, whose parents are more likely to be able to help them understand how to use AI tools, will gain an advantage creating a “digital divide”, warns Prof Linnéa Stenliden, at Linköping University’s Department of Behavioral Sciences.

Members of Unison are set to walk out on Thursday

A group of workers at the University of Gloucestershire are going on strike in a dispute over pay. Library assistants, administrators, IT workers and other support staff who are part of trade union Unison will walk out on Thursday (April 16).

The industrial action comes after employees rejected a pay offer from the university of 1.4 per cent, according to Unison, who said more than nine in ten (92 per cent) of staff voted in favour of the strikes.

Unison South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Staff at the University of Gloucestershire don’t want to be on strike, but they feel they’ve been left with no choice.

“This offer is far below what workers need to keep up with the cost of living. It’s even harder to accept when significant sums are being invested elsewhere, while the workforce is expected to take another real-terms pay cut.

“Universities can’t hide behind national bargaining when staff are struggling. They should be using their voice to push for a fair deal.”

Unison said the proposed increase “fails to reflect” the rising cost of living and “follows years of pay deals that have lagged behind inflation”.

“The offer is the lowest pay uplift for university staff in several years and comes after sustained pressure on household budgets due to rising prices for essentials such as food, housing and energy,” the union added.

Further strike action is planned for Tuesday (April 21) and Wednesday (April 22).

It is understood that the national university employers’ body UCEA made the 1.4 per cent offer in May to cover the 2025-26 academic year. According to Unison, it is the lowest pay offer from UCEA since 2020.

A University of Gloucestershire spokesperson said: “The higher education sector is going through a period of unprecedented financial pressure, and this is reflected in the nationally negotiated pay award offered via the Universities and Colleges Employers Association.

“While we do not yet know how many staff will take part in the strike action because staff are not required to advise us in advance, we believe that most of our staff understand the need to balance pay increases with ensuring the continued financial sustainability of the institution. As such, we expect any disruption to students will be minimal. However, we will keep students informed if anything changes.”

Chili’s is escalating its fight for value-focused diners, taking direct aim at McDonald’s with a new lineup of chicken sandwiches.

The restaurant chain announced Tuesday it is expanding its lineup of Big Crispy chicken sandwiches, which are now included in its $10.99 “3 For Me” bundle — a combo that features an entrée, fries, bottomless chips and salsa, and an unlimited fountain drink.

“With an expanded, full lineup of six Big Crispy chicken sandwiches – all hand-battered and WAY bigger than McDonald’s McCrispy – Chili’s is giving guests the abundance and quality they actually deserve,” the company said in a statement.

CHILI’S SLIMMED-DOWN MENU IS WINNING, CEO SAYS

The restaurant chain announced Tuesday that its Big Crispy chicken sandwich is now included in its $10.99 “3 For Me” bundle. (Chili’s Grill & Bar)

Chili’s is leaning heavily into size and value comparisons as part of its marketing push. 

The company says internal research found its chicken filet is, on average, more than 80% larger than McDonald’s McCrispy filet — underscoring its critique of what it calls “shrinkflation” across the fast-food industry.

CHILI’S THROWS SERIOUS SHADE AT TGI FRIDAY’S OVER MOZZARELLA STICK DIG

The company says internal research found its chicken filet is, on average, more than 80% larger than McDonald’s McCrispy. (Chili’s Grill & Bar)

“Over the past few years, we’ve exposed the fast food shrinkflation by serving our massive burgers in the industry-leading $10.99 ‘3 For Me’ meal for a value that can’t be found in the drive-thru,” Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix said in a statement. “… This is a shakeup to the chicken sandwich category that is long overdue, and one that our guests are going to love.”

The new lineup features six variations, including classic and spicy options, as well as flavors like honey chipotle, Nashville hot, buffalo, and a deluxe version topped with bacon and Swiss cheese.

MCDONALD’S EXPANDS INTO SPECIALTY DRINKS WITH ‘DIRTY SODAS,’ REFRESHERS PUSH

The new lineup features six variations, including classic and spicy options, as well as flavors like honey-chipotle, Nashville hot, buffalo, and a deluxe version topped with bacon and Swiss cheese. (Chili’s Grill & Bar)

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Meanwhile, McDonald’s is making its own push to win back budget-conscious customers.

The company recently unveiled a revamped McValue menu, set to launch April 21, featuring 10 items priced under $3 and a new $4 breakfast bundle.

Chili’s and McDonald’s did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

The scheme is designed to support firms that are high energy users in sectors such as automotive and aerospace, steel producers, metal fabricators, pharmaceutical and medical supplies companies, recycling businesses, plastic producers, nuclear fuel processors, and cooling and ventilation equipment manufacturers, the government said.