Mario Rea was issued an Osman warning following detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland passed intelligence to Strathclyde Police.

An ex-boxing promoter who was a trusted lieutenant in a gangland killer’s crime mob was locked up for six years last week. Mario Rea, 47, was a sidekick on the streets for Robert “Birdman” O’Hara, 48, while he was behind bars for the murder of a rival.

Rea admitted playing a key role in O’Hara’s drugs empire while the gangster directed operations from behind bars.

He used dirty cash to bankroll the lavish lifestyles of O’Hara’s partner and daughter of luxury flats, fast cars as well as designer clothes and watches.

He had earlier pled guilty to two charges of being involved in serious organised crime as well as another under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The High Court in Glasgow heard the gang was snared after a large-scale police probe in 2021.

No stranger to the criminal underbelly Rea’s gangland connections previously saw him targeted by IRA hitmen.

In 2012, just weeks after major drugs and money laundering charges against Rea and his twin brother Carlo were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

But detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland passed intelligence to Strathclyde Police that the self-styled property mogul had become the target of a murder plot.

Rea was issued a formal “threat to life” notice, known as an Osman warning, after an alleged Real IRA-linked gang had dispatched an assassin from Northern Ireland to Scotland.

It was claimed the gang, linked to jailed tobacco smuggler Aidan Grew, believed Rea had duped them over a tobacco deal.

MI5 officers believe Grew is a senior member of the Real IRA, who carried out the 1998 Omagh bombing which killed 29 people.

PSNI insider said: “The gang believe Rea duped them over a tobacco deal. The threat was taken very seriously.”

Another source in Northern Ireland said: “A hitman from Crossmaglen in County Armagh was sent to look at his house in Bothwell. They were either going to shoot him or throw a grenade in.”

At the time, sources claimed a suspected hitman had travelled from Crossmaglen in County Armagh to carry out reconnaissance on Rea’s home in Bothwell, South Lanarkshire.

It was alleged the plan was either to shoot him or launch a grenade attack on the property.

The intelligence emerged amid wider fears for Rea’s safety after he was also reported to have narrowly escaped an attempted attack by rivals linked to Glasgow’s Lyons crime clan.

The Rea twins were blamed for battering crime clan member Eddie Lyons Jr at a party in Coatbridge.

He was trailed by two hitmen before screeching away in a 4×4 to escape the thugs.

The death threats emerged after Mario, his twin Carlo and their associates faced a major probe by the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

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Mario, Carlo Rea and several associates had faced allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering after being arrested in 2008.

However, prosecutors abandoned the case before trial, citing insufficient evidence.

Away from the criminal investigation, Mario Rea was also handed a seven-year ban from serving as a company director after failing to account for more than £1.3 million that passed through the accounts of a property development company he ran with his brother.

Investigators had also examined the brothers’ extensive property interests across Lanarkshire and their links to several ambitious housing developments.

More than a decade later, Rea returned to court — this time admitting his role in one of Scotland’s highest-profile organised crime investigations.

Last week, Lord Arthurson sentenced him to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to two charges of involvement in serious organised crime and an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The prosecution said Operation Gadget exposed how O’Hara continued to direct an “industrial scale” drugs empire from prison using illicit mobile phones.

O’Hara was serving a life sentence at the time having been convicted in 2005 for the murder of Paul McDowall in Glasgow‘s Possilpark.

Rea was found to have played a central role on the outside, helping manage criminal finances, arranging luxury homes for O’Hara’s family and handling almost £80,000 in criminal money through his bank account.

The court heard Rea also exchanged messages relating to drug deals and was linked to wider trafficking involving more than £2 million worth of cocaine, heroin and cannabis uncovered during a separate investigation.

Passing sentence, Lord Arthurson accepted Rea claimed he felt unable to leave the crime group but said he had nevertheless willingly assisted an organised crime network.

He told Rea: “You acted for an organised crime group assisting the principal… you facilitated the lifestyles of family members of him.”

The judge added that Rea had been involved in drug trafficking on an “industrial scale”.

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Tesco Finest and Lidl Deluxe ham products have been urgently recalled over the possible presence of listeria monocytogenes bacteria

Major supermarkets Tesco and Lidl have pulled products from their shelves due to the potential presence of listeria monocytogenes.

Both retailers have issued recalls for items from their premium own-brand ranges.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has recalled ham products from Tesco Finest and Lidl’s Deluxe range over the possible health risk.

Ham products made by the Brady Family brand are also included in the announcement.

All products included in the recall:

• Brady Family Wood Smokes Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235417.
• Brady Family Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235880 and 235765.
• Lidl’s Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham 5 slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235461.
• Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham 5 Slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235473.
• Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham 16 slices – pack size 120g – batch code 235412.

The use-by date on all of these products is July 16.

Notices will be displayed at point of sale.

Shoppers have been urged not to consume the affected items and to dispose of them immediately.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Cold meats can be especially susceptible to listeria bacteria contamination. Other high-risk foods include smoked and cured fish, shellfish and soft mould-ripened cheeses such as camembert and brie.

According to the NHS website, the majority of those infected with the bacteria experience no symptoms at all, or only mild signs such as a high temperature, vomiting, aches and pains, chills or diarrhoea.

Those most vulnerable include pregnant women, newborn babies and patients with compromised immune systems.

The risk also rises with age.

Parents are urged to dial 999 or head to A&E if their children develop more serious symptoms, including a severe headache and stiff neck, discomfort when looking at bright lights, seizures, sudden confusion or drowsiness, and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.

Most infections from the bacteria can be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids.

The Killeagh hitmakers recently announced a series of outdoor concerts for next year including Belsonic

Kingfishr member Eoin Fitzgibbon has announced he is taking a step back from touring.

Eoin, also known as Fitz, alongside Eddie Keogh and Eoghan McGrath make up the chart-topping band which have taken Ireland – and further abroad – by storm in recent years.

The Killeagh hitmakers have been busy lately playing summer gigs, and recently announced a series of outdoor concerts in Ireland for next year.

The trio will top the bill at Belfast’s Belsonic festival, before playing gargantuan outdoor headline gigs in Dublin and Limerick. The three shows will see Kingfishr play to a combined audience of 90,000+ people.

But on Monday night, Fitz took fans by surprise when he announced he is taking a break from touring for now, RSVP Live reports.

The musician reassured fans that the reason why “is far from anything serious”.

Taking to social media, he wrote: “Hi everyone, Fitz here with a quick update. I am going to be taking a short break from touring.

“I am all good and it is far from anything serious, but a step back is required all the same.

“The last year or so has been nothing short of incredible. The venues, the occasions, the memories, we may be some of the luckiest people on the planet to get to do what we do and I am grateful to each and every one of you for making it possible.”

Fitz continued: “Unfortunately with all of that comes a lot of pressure and that has caught up with me.

“I need a little time to recover from it.

“Kingfishr is the thing I am most proud of in life so far and the second I’m up for it I’ll be back again but for now the boys will continue without me.

“Take care of each other, I’ll see you all very soon. Fitz.”

The Kingfishr star was immediately inundated with well wishes from fans.

One person commented: “Stay well Fitz! We’ll all be here when you’re ready!”

And another fan added: “You’ll be very missed, and equally waited for until you’re feeling better”.

Earlier this month, Kingfishr announced three major outdoor concerts in Ireland for summer 2027.

The Limerick group are to play Belsonic in Belfast on 11 June, Marlay Park in Dublin on 19 June and Thomond Park in their native county on 10 July.

The three concerts will see the band play to a combined audience of more than 90,000 people, according to promoters.

It is not yet known if Fitz will be back on stage for these shows.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The show will be returning next year, with contestants once again taking on the iconic Gladiators in various challenges to be crowned champion.

And it is rumoured that there will be a new face joining the team of athletes, replacing an outgoing star.

New Gladiator rumoured to be joining BBC show ‘revealed’

Bodybuilder and fitness instructor Ahmad Rabus, 37, has been cast on the BBC show, according to The Sun.

A source told the publisher: “Gladiators bosses loved Ahmad’s energy and positivity, they think he will be a great addition to the team.

“There are also rumours that there could be a few other newbies joining the gang.”

It is not confirmed what the fitness instructor’s Gladiator name will be.

He will replace Jamie Bigg, who was known as Giant, who will not return for a new series.

Bigg said he was told not to return to the BBC show after plans to make his relationship with his partner, a creator on adult content site OnlyFans, public.

He posted on Instagram that he would be stepping down due to a “choice” that did not align with his values, and that his departure was not a decision he made.

In a statement to the Press Association, he said: “I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.

“It wasn’t something I expected, especially given the commitment I’ve shown to the role.

“I’ve always taken being in the public eye seriously, and I believe being a role model is about honesty as well as professionalism.

“For me, that means not hiding parts of who I am or the people I care about.

“My partner is an incredible person, and I have huge respect for everything she does – I’m proud to stand by her.

“I’m grateful to the BBC and everyone involved in the show for the opportunity and the experiences I’ve had.

“Now, my focus is on the future.

“I’m excited for what’s next and ready to move into a new chapter, both personally and professionally.”

A Gladiators spokesperson said: “After three formidable series, Giant is leaving Gladiators.

“We’d like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show and wish him well for the future.”

The BBC declined to comment on the rumours of his replacement.

Gladiators to return for new series in 2027

Gladiators will return to screens in 2027 after the BBC confirmed the show would be back for a fourth series.

It will be filmed once again at Sheffield Arena, with presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh returning.

Bradley and son Barney Walsh present the reboot of the iconic series (Image: BBC / Graeme Hunter / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)

A new celebrity special will also be recorded as part of the upcoming series, with four celebrities set to take on the Gladiators.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: “Since Gladiators burst back onto screens in 2024, it’s been amazing to see families across the UK rally behind the contenders and champion our phenomenal Gladiators as the true stars of Saturday nights.

“With a brand-new series confirmed and another celebrity special on the way, audiences can look forward to even more colossal clashes, even more edge-of-your-seat excitement, and plenty of opportunities to raise those foam fingers high once again.”

Iconic games like Duel, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator will return, alongside last year’s popular additions Everest, Destruction, and Suspension Bridge.

A new event will also be introduced, with details to be revealed soon.

The show has continued to be a ratings hit, drawing an average of 4.6 million viewers across 28 days on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and remains especially popular with younger audiences.

Who is your favourite Gladiator? Let us know in the comments.

Lionel Messi may have had his record-breaking World Cup moment but at this rate Kylian Mbappe will be rendering that legendary feat short-lived.

If Messi is the current king on the throne, then France’s captain fantastic, the focal point of their frightening attack, is the heir apparent after leapfrogging Miroslav Klose in the all-time goalscoring charts and onto the heels of the Argentina great with his double in a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night.

Didier Deschamps, back on the touchline following the tragic death of his mother last week, was beaming again as his team cruised into the last 16, with Mbappe embracing him in a heartwarming moment after his terrific first. 

Bradley Barcola replaced Desire Doue on the left-hand side of Deschamps’ starting frontline and he repaid his grieving coach with the second goal of the day. Michael Olise also registered two assists, taking his tally at the tournament to five, in the smoothest of displays. And as Sweden continued to fade after a spirited start, Mbappe moved to within one goal of Messi while capping a routine win for his mighty nation.

No team in history had scored three goals or more in five straight World Cup games but France achieved that in New Jersey. At this stage it seems inconceivable that they won’t be back here on July 19 for the final, where Messi and Argentina look likely to await in a rematch of that epic encounter in Qatar four years ago.

As he continues to stalk the great Leo in the goal standings, Mbappe will be licking his lips at the prospect of snatching the famous trophy back from him too.

Swedes fade fast 

It took France nearly 20 minutes to find their rhythm amid scorching temperatures at MetLife Stadium. Graham Potter said his team needed to have the game of their lives here and they were the ones who started like men possessed, pressing with speed and intensity in the middle of the park. The physicality of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres also caused club teammate William Saliba and his defensive partner Dayot Upamecano some difficulty.

Yet they soon retreated into their shell as the fearsome French trio of Mbappe, Olise and Ousmane Dembele – without a doubt the most intimidating arsenal at this summer’s tournament – began to find gaps in the final third.

Mbappe was denied an opener by the tightest of offside calls when he raced through unmarked and converted past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom not long before the first-half hydration break. Adrien Rabiot was denied by the boot of the Swedish goalkeeper shortly after. 

Then, within four astonishing minutes, both Mbappe and Olise struck the woodwork, the latter almost producing one of the goals of the World Cup so far with a remarkable bicycle kick that was kept out by the post. 

Les Bleus were knocking on the door and Potter’s men, who at one moment appeared to have a flat eight-man backline, could do little but sit deep and defend their own box. The inevitable France opener was quickly becoming a matter of when rather than if, and in the 45th minute it was their main man who delivered it.

With Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, Mbappe is thriving in a devastating France attack

Sweden needed to produce the game of their lives but they faded rapidly after a spirited start

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After being released in the box by Dembele, Mbappe found himself one-on-one with a fellow attacker in Gyokeres, though they are miles apart in terms of speed. His feet were far too quick for Sweden’s stocky center-forward, with a bewildering stepover and two delicate touches freeing him up to curl the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box.

And when Barcola latched onto Olise’s pass and added a two-goal cushion shortly after the break, Sweden’s miserable fate was all but sealed long before Mbappe made it 3-0.

An attack like no other 

While Messi is pretty much carrying Argentina in their bid for a second straight World Cup, Mbappe is simply the brightest jewel in a glistening French diamond. 

Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches going forward, with Olise as delightful to watch here as Les Bleus’ record-seeking talisman.

The silky Bayern Munich star produced two exquisite passes that made the difference; the first for Barcola to double their advantage, the second for Mbappe to put them out of sight. 

Plus, it was his neat interplay with Dembele, who also can’t be forgotten, which preceded the latter teeing up his PSG teammate for the opener.

Olise was as delightful to watch as Mbappe in a comfortable victory for France in New Jersey

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Deschamps had the luxury of starting Doue and Rayan Cherki on the bench here, two players who would walk into plenty of managers’ lineups in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer. 

Messi’s magic may be enough to send Argentina to the final, but will their defense really be able to live with an lethal French attack that seems to be at its deadliest right now.

History not at the forefront of Mbappe’s mind 

The Real Madrid Galactico, often lambasted for a so-called attitude problem, became the World Cup’s second greatest goalscorer of all time with his opening strike, yet his first thought was to head straight to Deschamps, who missed last week’s win over Norway due to the tragedy in his personal life.

His captain’s latest breathtaking finish will have helped lift his spirits after a devastating week. And seven minutes into the restart France gave their manager something to smile about once more when Barcola doubled the lead.

Sweden, playing a lot like a team who sneaked into the World Cup via the Nations League backdoor, gave the ball away cheaply near the halfway line and Aurelien Tchouameni picked it up before finding Olise, who played a delightful pass to unleash the Paris St-Germain forward inside the area. He made no mistake from close range to leave Sweden with a mountain to climb.

Didier Deschamps had a smile on his face again after the tragic death of his mother last week

Then, with the result already a foregone conclusion, Mbappe collected another outstanding Olise pass into the box with 15 minutes to play and rifled the ball home to net his 18th World Cup goal in as many matches and seal the victory.

When he and Olise, who was equally mesmerizing, were replaced in the final five minutes MetLife’s French contingent rose to its feet in awe and adulation. The pair were phenomenal and it is tough to see how they, along with Dembele and the interchanging Barcola and Doue, fail to propel France to the final with Paraguay and likely Morocco to come next.

Even Spain and Portugal, their potential semifinal opponents, will be quaking in their boots.

Following a heartbreaking week on a personal level, France’s free-flowing frontmen are providing the perfect tonic for Deschamps.

An inevitable final? 

Messi etched his name into the history books even further last week by becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. While that record surely won’t last beyond the next in 2030, or potentially even this year’s tournament, the current edition looks perfectly poised to conclude with a battle between the king and his heir later this month.

Just like they were in Qatar, France and Argentina are comfortably the strongest two nations this time around and will take some stopping.

In the illustrious history of the World Cup there has never been an immediate rematch. How fitting if the competition’s two leading scorers collide in the first.

The prison officer initially denied claims of the relationship

A prison officer who had a relationship with a murderer has been jailed. Rebecca Green, 29, was working at HMP Whitemoor in March when she entered into a relationship with John Otugade in October 2022.

Otugade is serving a 25-year sentence for murder. In spring 2023, Green was called into a meeting when suspicions were raised about her conduct.

Green initially denied the claims, but Otugade was moved to HMP Belmarsh while investigations took place. Officers searched Green’s car and seized her mobile phone. This contained messages that suggested she was in a relationship with the prisoner.

Otugade also had a number added to his approved contacts list inside the prison and it had the name ‘partner’. The number was later found to be a match to Green’s phone.

Green, of Market Rasen Way, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to wilful misconduct in a public office.

On June 24, she was sentenced to one year and four months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court. Detective Constable Tom Adams, who investigated, said: “As a prison officer, you have a responsibility to keep prisoners and your colleagues safe.

“This was a serious breach of Green’s responsibilities, and she failed to consider the potential impact on the security and safety of the staff and prisoners and how her actions undermined the work of the prison. This sentence shows how seriously the police and courts take such breaches.”

As the Press reported earlier this afternoon, Humphrey Smith, the owner and chairman of Tadcaster-based brewery has died aged 81.

Mr Sweeting says that though it has been known Humphrey Smith has been unwell for sometime, his passing still came as “a shock.”

He told The Press he wanted to thank Humphrey Smith for his ‘contribution’ to the town.

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“It’s the end of an era. Mr Smith has been part of Tadcaster for many year and has done a lot for this town.

“But he wasn’t one for publicity. He would like to do things behind the scenes. We wouldn’t have a lot of the facilities in the town if it wasn’t for Mr Smith and the brewery.”

The town council chairman continued: “I knew Mr Smith extremely well. There was one thing he did have. He did have the town at heart. He was a Tadcaster person.

“I have known him all my life and his mother. He has done a lot for the church and the community. To me, he’s just Mr Smith. They do a lot of unseen things.”

Tadcaster Mayor Richard Sweeting knew Humphrey Smith well and says Tadcaster is in mourning. (Image: NQ)

“Talking to people in the town, Tadcaster is in mourning. It’s the end of an era. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Sweeting said it was too early to speculate about the brewery’s future and how the town might mark his passing.

“We have lost the head of the brewery. We have lost one of the main characters of Tadcaster. He was part of Tadcaster, very much so.”

He added: “I had a lot of respect for him. He knew me. He was a proper gentleman.”

What tribute would you like to pay to Humphrey Smith? Did you know him? Did you ever meet him? What changes do you think may happen at the brewery now and will they be a good thing? Please share us your thoughts in the comments below.

Man Utd are set to complete the signing of a talented young midfielder, who they agreed a deal to sign last year.

Manchester United will formally announce Cristian Orozco’s transfer when his move is completed this month. Last year, United struck a preliminary agreement with Fortaleza CEIF that outlined that Orozco would sign in the summer window.

Orozco will celebrate his 18th birthday on July 13, when United can formally register him as a player. The midfielder will arrive in Manchester before that date in order to acclimatise and be ready to start on the 13th.

The Reds announced similar signings of Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik last year. Kone and Leon both spent a season with the U21s after signing from clubs in Mali and Paraguay respectively. Kana-Biyik was immediately sent on loan to Ineos-owned Lausanne Sport, but he arrived from France.

Having come through Le Havre’s academy, Kana-Biyik already had experience of European football which enabled him to be sent on loan, but Kone and Leon were given time to get up to speed after coming from different continents.

Orozco is expected to require a similar period of adaptation as he settles into life in Manchester after switching from Colombia. United will provide English lessons for the youngster.

United are signing Orozco because they believe he possesses first-team potential, but Kone, Leon and Kana-Biyik were all of the same mould, and none have been given their first-team debuts so far at United.

The club’s recent signings of young players from abroad who possess high potential are seen as low-risk and high-reward.

United have widened their academy recruitment in recent years due to Brexit rules, which prevent them from signing players from Europe.

Orozco was involved with Fortaleza CEIF’s first-team last season. He was included in 11 senior squads, which saw him make two appearances from the bench in Colombia’s top-flight, along with two starts.

From professional membership fees and work travel to cleaning uniforms and using your own car for business journeys, there are a range of legitimate expenses that can reduce your tax bill. Better still, in many cases you can backdate claims for up to four previous tax years.

With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, checking whether you’re eligible could put money back in your pocket without taking on extra work or switching jobs.

Here are some of the most overlooked tax reliefs many employees don’t realise they can claim.

Professional memberships

If your job requires you to belong to a professional body or pay membership fees to carry out your role, you may be able to claim tax relief on the cost.

This includes:

• Professional membership fees required for your job
• Annual subscriptions to HMRC-approved professional bodies
• Some journals and publications linked to your profession

You cannot claim if your employer paid the fees or if the organisation isn’t approved by HMRC.

The full list of organisations is here.

Travel and overnight expenses

Many employees assume commuting costs are tax deductible, but they are not.

However, if you’re travelling to a temporary workplace or making business journeys, you may be able to claim relief on:

• Train, bus and taxi fares
• Hotel stays
• Meals while travelling for work
• Parking charges
• Congestion charges and tolls
• Business phone calls
• Printing costs

Receipts are normally required for hotel and meal expenses.

Using your own car for work

If you drive your own vehicle for work, you may be entitled to mileage tax relief if your employer doesn’t fully reimburse you.

From April 2026, HMRC’s approved mileage rates are:

• 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles in cars and vans
• 25p per mile after 10,000 miles
• 24p per mile for motorcycles
• 20p per mile for bicycles

The allowance is designed to cover running costs including fuel, servicing, insurance and wear and tear, so these can’t be claimed separately.

If you drive a company car instead, you may still be able to claim relief on fuel or electricity costs used for business journeys if you paid them yourself.

Uniforms and specialist clothing

If you have to clean, repair or replace a work uniform yourself, you could qualify for tax relief.

This applies to uniforms that identify your profession, such as those worn by:

• Nurses
• Police officers
• Emergency workers

It can also include specialist protective clothing such as overalls or safety boots.

Many occupations qualify for fixed-rate allowances, meaning you don’t always need to keep receipts.

You generally cannot claim for buying everyday work clothes, even if your employer expects you to wear a certain colour or style.

Tools and equipment

If you have to buy or replace tools needed for your job, these may also qualify for relief.

Examples include:

• Electric drills
• Hairdressing scissors
• Trade tools
• Work equipment with no significant personal use

Larger purchases may qualify under capital allowance rules if they’re essential for your work.

Working from home

One important change affects anyone working remotely.

For the 2026/27 tax year, most employees can no longer claim working from home tax relief.

However, claims can still be made for the previous four tax years if you were required to work from home because your employer had no office available or your role required it.

Those claims could include:

• Additional electricity and heating costs
• Business phone calls

Employees who simply chose to work from home are not eligible.

How far back can you claim?

One of the biggest opportunities many workers overlook is that claims don’t have to be limited to this year.

In many cases, HMRC allows eligible employees to claim for:

• The current tax year
• The previous four tax years

That means someone who has consistently paid qualifying professional fees, mileage costs or uniform expenses could potentially receive a sizeable repayment.

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Who should check?

It’s particularly worth checking if you work in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Teaching
• Construction
• Engineering
• Hairdressing
• Hospitality
• Sales
• Social care
• Emergency services

Many employees in these industries regularly incur work-related costs without realising some qualify for tax relief.

Tax relief isn’t a loophole – it’s part of the tax system designed to ensure workers aren’t taxed on money they’ve had to spend doing their jobs.

If you’ve paid qualifying work expenses yourself and weren’t reimbursed by your employer, it’s worth checking your entitlement. Even relatively small annual claims can add up over several years, especially if you can backdate them.