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Julian Alvarez: Champions League could decide striker’s future

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Guillem Balague column byline

What Atletico manager Simeone sold him was a football project that had the striker at the centre of it. Alvarez wanted to feel wanted.

“He told me I could give the club something huge,” he recalls. “That I’d have the space and the opportunity to be my best version.”

The Argentines already at the club helped too – De Paul, Griezmann’s warmth, the Spanish language, a culture that felt closer to home than Paris or Manchester ever could.

In August 2024, Atletico Madrid confirmed the deal – 95m euros (£81.5m), a club record received by City, and a six-year contract. The club announced it with a Spiderman video and Alvarez loved it.

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Ask him about the price tag and he almost looks confused by the question.

“It’s more something that gets talked about in the media,” he said. “In the dressing room I’m just one of the group. I like being treated that way.”

His father worked in a cereal factory in Calchin. His mother was a schoolteacher. He grew up knowing that you have to earn respect, or reputation. He is still the same person. It shows on the pitch too – the World Cup winner who sprints back to win the ball, who presses from the front. Simeone rarely singles out individuals, but with Alvarez, he makes exceptions.

Across two seasons in red and white, he has made 102 appearances and scored 47 goals, numbers that tell only part of the story.

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His time at Atletico has not been without frustration. In La Liga this season, the numbers have been modest – eight goals in 29 appearances, and just one in 2026.

His strike against Oviedo at the end of February ended a run of 14 league games without a goal, his previous one coming against Sevilla on 1 November. But the Champions League has been a different story, bringing nine goals in 12 appearances this season.

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Name the best garden centre in Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire Live

Garden centres are often home to more than just plants and flowers

From impressive food halls to a huge range of plants and flowers on offer, garden centres across the UK have become a great day out. With many garden centres adding extra experiences including cafés and play areas for children, the whole family can enjoy a trip out.

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Cambridgeshire is lucky to have garden centres dotted across the county that offer a range of activities and products. Whether the garden centre is right on your doorstep or you have to drive to your closest one, it is usually worth a visit to enjoy the food and high quality products you can pick up.

If you are new to the area, you might not know which are the best to visit. CambridgeshireLive is asking its readers to help out and tell us which garden centre is their favourite to visit.

You can nominate your favourite garden centre in Cambridgeshire by using our survey below. If the survey does not appear for you, you can open it in a new tab here.

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Five key weight loss jab side effects reported by 43 percent of patients

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Daily Mirror

A new study has highlighted the most common side effects of weight loss jabs

A groundbreaking study has identified some of the most frequently reported side effects of weight loss injections. Research found that almost half of participants using GLP-1 inhibitors were experiencing problems.

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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. The use of GLP-1 inhibitors, or receptor agonists, has rocketed in popularity in recent years owing to their proven effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and supporting weight loss.

Available in injectable form, some of these drugs can be prescribed through the NHS to eligible patients. However, as with all medications, health authorities have cautioned that they can trigger side effects.

A new study has now drawn on anecdotal evidence from patients to pinpoint the most widespread side effects associated with the jabs. The research, published in Nature Health, used artificial intelligence to scrutinise social media posts, uncovering patient-reported side effects linked to these medicines that may not yet have been examined in clinical trials.

The study analysed more than 400,000 Reddit posts from nearly 70,000 users discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. Among the most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal complaints, which are already flagged by health bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The research also drew attention to reproductive symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles and unexpected bleeding, alongside temperature-related issues such as chills, hot flushes, and feeling unusually cold. Additionally, fatigue emerged as a frequently reported symptom, despite receiving less prominence in clinical trial data.

Senior author Dr Sharath Chandra Guntuku, from the University of Pennsylvania, said: “Some of the side effects we found, like nausea, are well known, and that shows the method is picking up a real signal. The underreported symptoms are leads that came from patients themselves, unprompted, and clinicians could potentially pay attention to them.”

What were the most commonly reported side effects?

Within the study, a total of 67,008 Reddit users self-reported using these medications. Of these, 43.5 per cent described at least one side effect.

These included:

  • Nausea (36.9 per cent)
  • Fatigue (16.7 per cent)
  • Vomiting (16.3 per cent)
  • Constipation (15.3 per cent)
  • Diarrhoea (12.6 per cent)

Study authors added: “Notably, reproductive symptoms (for example, menstrual irregularities) and temperature-related complaints (for example, chills and hot flushes) emerged as unrecognised potential effects.

“These findings highlight patient concerns not well captured in current labelling or trials. Large-scale social media analysis can complement traditional pharmacovigilance by detecting emerging safety signals and expanding understanding of the real-world safety profile of GLP-1 RAs.”

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Most feel taxes are too high despite new tax law, polls show

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Few states have copied Trump's tax breaks for tips and overtime

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans still think their taxes are too high, according to recent polls, even after last year’s tax law fulfilled several of President Donald Trump’s tax-related campaign promises.

In fact, a new Fox News poll indicates people are more upset about taxes than they were last year. The findings from the survey, which was conducted in late March, are another sign that Americans are on edge about their personal finances as the U.S. experiences a spike in inflation and sluggish economic growth. Other polling finds that frustration goes beyond personal tax obligations, with many believing that wealthy people and corporations are not paying their fair share, while others worry about government waste.

The surveys come after Trump and Republicans passed a massive tax and spending cut bill last year. The legislation enacted a range of tax breaks, including a boosted child tax credit and new tax deductions for tips and overtime. Tax refunds are up this season, and many households are expected to see more income from the Republicans’ tax legislation, but the Congressional Budget Office estimated it will ultimately give the largest benefits to the richest Americans.

Republicans have touted the law as evidence that they are making life more affordable for working families. But polling shows that many Americans may not be feeling the benefits, especially as their tax refunds get eaten up by higher prices.

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Most say taxes are too high

About 7 in 10 registered voters say the taxes they pay are “too high,” according to the Fox News poll. That’s up from about 6 in 10 last year. The poll shows heightened concern among very liberal voters and Democratic men, but there has also been a sizable increase among groups that Republicans want to court ahead of the midterm elections, such as moderates, rural voters and white voters without a college degree.

Discontent about taxes has been rising for the past few years. Recent polling from Gallup, conducted in March, found about 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the amount of federal income tax they have to pay is “too high,” a finding that’s been largely consistent in the annual poll since 2023. That’s approaching the level of unhappiness found in Gallup’s polling from the 1980s through the 1990s, before President George W. Bush’s 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

Now, about half of Democrats and about 6 in 10 Republicans say their federal income taxes are too high. Republicans tend to view their tax bill more negatively than Democrats, but Gallup’s polling shows that this gap often shrinks when a Republican is president.

Many believe the rich aren’t paying enough in taxes

Most Americans are troubled by the belief that some wealthy people and corporations don’t pay their fair share of taxes, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in January. About 6 in 10 Americans said each of those notions bothers them “a lot,” a measure that is largely unchanged in recent years.

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By contrast, only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults in that poll said the amount they personally pay in taxes bothers them a lot.

About 8 in 10 Democrats are bothered “a lot” by the feeling that some corporations and rich people aren’t paying their fair share, the Pew survey found, compared to about 4 in 10 Republicans. Government spending is a bigger issue for Republicans, according to the Fox News poll, which found that 75% of registered voters — and a similar share of Republican voters — say “almost all” or “a great deal” of government funding is wasteful and inefficient.

That points to a perception problem for many Americans. Even if their own tax bill is manageable, the idea that the wealthy are underpaying — or that the government is wasting their dollars — bothers many. About half of Americans, 49%, in the Gallup poll say the income tax they will pay this year is “not fair,” which is in line with the record high from 2023.

Broad unhappiness with Trump’s tax approach

Americans’ tax frustration was rising before Trump re-entered the White House, but it’s still a problem for the president’s party — especially if Americans are not feeling the relief that he promised.

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The Fox News poll found that about 6 in 10 registered voters, 64%, say they disapprove of how Trump is handling taxes, up from 53% last April. Disapproval has risen most sharply among independents, but also among Democrats and Republicans.

This aligns with a broader feeling that Trump isn’t doing enough to address inflation. Most Americans said Trump had hurt the cost of living “a lot” or “a little” in his second term, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. Roughly 9 in 10 Democrats and about 6 in 10 independents said Trump has had a negative impact on the cost of living.

Less than half of Republicans, 43%, said Trump had helped the cost of living, while 33% said he hadn’t made a difference and only 23% said he’d helped.

___

The Fox News poll was conducted among 1,001 registered voters from March 20-23. The Gallup poll was conducted among 1,000 U.S. adults from March 2-18. The Pew Research Center poll was conducted among 8,512 U.S. adults from Jan. 20-26. The AP-NORC Poll was conducted among 1,203 U.S. adults from Jan 8-11.

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Will Hunter Schafer come back in Euphoria Season 3?

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Manchester Evening News

Euphoria season three has finally landed on HBO Max, but Hunter Schafer’s character is absent from the premiere

*Warning this article contains spoilers for Euphoria Season 3, Episode 1.*

Euphoria’s season three premiere has left fans fearful over Jules’ future. The HBO drama is finally back, catching up with Rue (played by Zendaya) five years after high school as she divides her time between Mexico and the US.

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The series opener discloses that she has been operating as a drug mule for queenpin Laurie (Martha Kelly), in an attempt to settle the £100,000 debt she accumulated after her mum flushed a suitcase of drugs back in season two.

As for her circle of friends, Maddy (Alexa Demie) is now a Hollywood talent manager, while Lexi (Maude Apatow) is chasing her screen-writing ambitions, with Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) having settled down as a couple. Yet Jules (Hunter Schafer) is conspicuously absent from the first episode, reports the Mirror.

Is Jules in Euphoria Season 3?

Yes, Jules does feature in Euphoria season three. The character has been central to the show throughout the previous two series owing to her romance with Rue and her toxic rivalry with Nate. It is revealed in the season three premiere that she is now attending art school. Maddy also suggests that Jules is a sugar baby, though the specifics of her new ‘relationship’ remain shrouded in mystery.

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Nevertheless, we know she will cross paths with Rue again in forthcoming episodes, as a new trailer shows the pair together. Despite fans being eager to see more of the HBO hit, many have been left disheartened by the new season. It currently holds a disappointing 42% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics, with a slightly more favourable 52% from audiences.

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The critics’ consensus states: “Euphoria returns with less than the sum of its parts in a disjointed cavalcade of forced narratives that leave its talented cast stranded in the wind.” Viewers have mirrored this sentiment, claiming the show has lost its magic. One fumed: “I can’t believe someone thought it would be a good idea to turn the series into a completely unrelated spin-off. Euphoria is dead. They ruined it, destroyed the series.”

Someone else agreed: “What once was a entertaining piece of tv is now just coasting on the fumes from the previous seasons. Everything feels sloppier and like its searching for something to wow the people. I find myself caring less and less about the characters as time has gone on.”

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However, others remain hopeful that the series will hit its stride as further episodes are released. “It’s only episode 1, but it already shows great potential. The cinematography is beautiful. I’m really looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds,” said one viewer.

Amazing start to Season 3. Episode 1 pulls you right back in with stunning visuals, strong performances, and a darker, more intense vibe. If this is how the season begins, we’re in for something crazy.

Euphoria season 3 airs on Mondays on HBO Max, NOW and Sky.

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Morrisons plans to axe hundreds of jobs in AI shake-up

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Morrisons plans to axe hundreds of jobs in AI shake-up

As part of a cost-cutting effort, the major UK supermarket chain plans to cut up to 200 jobs at its head office in Bradford.

Staff were notified of the restructuring, which comes as part of an AI overhaul, in meetings this week.

The retailer announced the job losses were a “tough but necessary decision” as they look to “capitalise on the potential of AI to improve performance”.

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The chain, which has 497 supermarkets and more than 1,700 convenience and franchise stores located across the UK, said they had already started a consultancy process with colleagues and are offering those at risk of redundancy their ‘full support’.

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “During 2025 Morrisons commenced a long term programme to re-engineer certain of its business functions, to concentrate on the core activities that our customers value, streamline processes and structures, automate a number of manual tasks and capitalise on the potential of data and AI to improve performance.

“This multi-year programme will ensure our central functions are better placed to serve our stores and strengthen our ability to deliver for customers in the current very challenging market conditions.

“As we evolve and adapt, we’re proposing to make some changes to a number of areas within our central structure.

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“This will involve making some tough but necessary decisions which will impact on colleagues in our head office, where we’re proposing to place a number of roles at risk of redundancy.

“We understand this will be difficult news for these colleagues and will be offering them our full support, including helping them to find alternative roles elsewhere in the business wherever we can.

“A consultation process with colleagues has now commenced.”

The move marks the second round of job cuts at Morrisons in a matter of weeks after the retailer cut its convenience buying team in March.

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Martin Lewis issues urgent energy price cap advice for July deadline | Lifestyle

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Martin Lewis has issued advice on how to save money on your energy, urging billpayers to check if they can reduce their bills with a tip that might not apply “in two days.”

Speaking on ITV‘s This Morning on Tuesday (14 April), the MoneySavingExpert founder issued advice on how to find cheaper deals before an expected 16 per cent rise in the energy price cap in July.

He said, “On the back of last week’s [Iran] ceasefire, because wholesale rates came down, right now there are a couple of fixes that are cheaper than the current price cap.”

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“The key isn’t what you save now, the key is what you’ll save once the price cap goes up in July”, he added.

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Major airlines cancelling or delaying flights to Dubai and Middle East

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Wales Online

After US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of Gulf airspace on February 28, airspace across the Middle East was shut, causing thousands of flight cancellations and route suspensions.

More than a million British tourists travel to the UAE each year for holidays in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with 1.3m British tourists visiting Dubai alone in 2025.

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After US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of Gulf airspace on February 28, airspace across the Middle East was shut, causing thousands of flight cancellations and route suspensions.

The conflict continues to create severe travel problems outside the Middle East as it’s a major connection hub for flights to destinations like southeast Asia and Australia.

With many UAE trips planned for the busy summer holidays, British travellers are wondering when it will be safe to travel to Dubai and if their holidays will go ahead, given all the cancellations.

With jet fuel prices rising and no peace deal between the USA and Iran yet, many airlines are extending flight cancellations to the Middle East, including British Airways, Emirates, and Air France.

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Here are the main airlines cancelling flights, reducing capacity or suspending routes to the Middle East. Make sure to follow our senior travel reporter, Portia Jones on TikTok for the latest travel news.

British Airways

  • Dubai, Doha, Tel Aviv: 1 daily flight from 1 July
  • Riyadh: 1 daily from mid-May
  • Additional Dubai service resumes 16 October

Air France and KLM

  • Air France: Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Riyadh: suspended until 3 May
  • KLM: Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai: suspended until 17 May

Delta Air Lines

  • New York–Tel Aviv: cancelled
  • Atlanta–Tel Aviv: delayed until 5 September
  • Boston–Tel Aviv: delayed indefinitely

Air Canada

  • Tel Aviv, Dubai: suspended until 7 September

Emirates

  • Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. You should only travel to the airport if you have a confirmed booking

Qatar Airways

  • Qatar Airways is currently operating limited flights to the Middle East

Etihad Airways

  • operations are currently under a “limited commercial flight schedule” as of April 14, 2026, due to ongoing regional conflict and airspace restrictions

Cathay Pacific

  • Dubai, Riyadh: suspended until 30 June
  • Added flights: London, Paris, Zurich (April)

Singapore Airlines

  • Dubai: suspended until 31 May
  • Increased capacity: London Gatwick, Melbourne

Qantas

  • Schedule adjustments: mid-April to late July.

Japan Airlines

  • Tokyo–Doha:
  • Outbound suspended until 10 May Return suspended until 11 May
  • Extra Tokyo–London flights from 25 April

Finnair

  • Doha: suspended until 2 July
  • Avoiding airspace: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Israel
  • Dubai: resumes in October

Aegean Airlines

  • Riyadh, Amman: Suspended until 27 June
  • Tel Aviv, Beirut: Suspended until 26 June
  • Erbil, Baghdad: Suspended until 2 July
  • Dubai: Suspended until 29 June

Turkish Airlines / SunExpress

  • Dubai: suspended until 30 April

Malaysia Airlines

  • Doha: suspended until 14 June

Royal Air Maroc

  • Doha: until 30 June
  • Dubai: until 31 May

Air Europa

Norwegian Air

  • Tel Aviv, Beirut launches: delayed until 15 June

Wizz Air

  • Israel: suspended until 25 April
  • UAE, Amman: suspended until mid-September
  • Medina: suspended indefinitely

airBaltic

  • Tel Aviv: until 31 May
  • Dubai: until 24 October

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New change to National Lottery could double millionaire winners across UK

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New change to National Lottery could double millionaire winners across UK

The National Lottery is changing its main draw for the first time in a move which could double the number of British millionaire winners, as well as offering a new mega jackpot game this summer.

Lottery operator Allwyn introduced the first new game in the National Lottery’s history, a UK-specific version of the US draw Powerball, the world’s biggest rolling jackpot.

UK players will pay £4 per line to compete with their US counterparts to win the shared jackpot of over £1 billion, which will be paid out over 30 years to UK winners.

The operator also announced the biggest overhaul to the nation’s “millionaire maker” Lotto since its launch in 1994, with players being given two chances to win for every £2 ticket.

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Powerball is already popular in America
Powerball is already popular in America (AP)

The change, to be rolled out from 7 June subject to regulatory approval, is expected to more than double the number of Lotto millionaires from around 140 a year to about 345.

The first new Lotto draw will take place on 10 June, with jackpots beginning at  £2 million. They can roll over up to five times before a must-be-won event on the sixth consecutive draw. 

Powerball, launched in the US in 1992, made the biggest-ever winner of over $2.04 billion in 2022. If regulators approve, the game could be launched in the UK later this summer with an uncapped jackpot of £12 million as well as other prizes.

Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler said the upgrades would raise more money for the lottery’s good causes across the country.

She said: “We are delivering on our promise to bring more games, more entertainment and more innovation to the National Lottery. With extensive upgrades to our digital and retail channels now complete, we have a fantastic summer lined up, as we are now able to bring these exciting new games to our players.

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The National Lottery is set to launch the new changes this summer, subject to regulatory approval
The National Lottery is set to launch the new changes this summer, subject to regulatory approval (PA Wire)

“Lotto has always been the best game to play if you want to become a millionaire. Our new Lotto gives players two chances of winning £1m-plus for the same £2 they spend on each Lotto line today, creating hundreds more millionaires every year.

“And with its transformative jackpots, which will be paid to UK winners over time, we’re certain that our UK-specific version of the iconic Powerball game will really capture the UK public’s imagination.”

Powerball is expected to deliver around £1 billion more to UK good causes over the first five years, with more than 30 per cent of the ticket price returned to the National Lottery’s charitable side. Changes to Lotto are also predicted to generate millions more for good causes across the UK.

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“By offering a wide range of complementary games, we’re ensuring there is something for everyone – returning the magic, building our player base and making sure the National Lottery remains part of the national conversation,” Ms Vidler added.

“In turn, this will raise more money for good causes, helping us reach our goal of doubling weekly returns to good causes from £30m to £60m by 2034, with £33m a week currently raised.”

Allwyn said recently that total National Lottery sales, including lottery tickets bought in shops, came in at £8.1 billion in 2025, up 3.5 per cent on the previous year.

More than £1.7 billion was generated for good causes – which incorporates funding for health, education, arts, sports heritage and charity – and £967 million was raised in taxes.

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Museum at heart of town could be forced to close permanently as major works needed

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Cambridgeshire Live

The museum is currently closed as it is ‘not safe’ for it to be open to the public – but without additional funding, it may not ever be able to reopen

The future of a museum is at risk as volunteers need more funding for urgent repairs. Major work to repair the roofs of Ramsey Rural Museum’s 10 buildings has been ongoing since January.

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The museum has been able to undertake the much-needed repair, thanks to nearly £100,000 in funding from US charity the Leir Foundation. While the work has been going on, it’s been discovered that more work is needed on 3,500 pantiles that were damaged when they were originally fitted nearly 50 years ago.

While there is some grant funding left, the volunteers are “almost certain” this funding will run out. Volunteers are now appealing to the public for funding.

If the funding isn’t raised, the museum could “undoubtedly” close, said trustee and treasurer Jeremy Mumford. He added: “The museum needed to repair these roofs as they were dangerous. Because of this additional work, we anticipate all of the money will run out before it’s completed.

“It’s not safe at the moment to be open to the public, therefore we are not getting any money. That is the biggest issue. We need to keep the museum in front of people and show that we need their support.”

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The rural museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028. Inside there are more than 40,000 artefacts that showcase the working and social history of Ramsey, as well as the surrounding area.

Jeremy said the museum is a “big part” of the town, and it forms part of the town’s “fabric”. “The museum is like an old friend,” said Jeremy. He added: “We put on events to celebrate local work and businesses. We seek to educate and entertain people.”

If the funding is not raised, there is a chance the museum may not be able to reopen. Alternatively, if it is to open again, they may have to start charging entry, when it’s currently free, or hold fewer events.

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Jeremy added: “It depends on what we find in the two other roofs that we haven’t touched yet. We also certainly know we are going to go over [budget] if these roofs have the same issues. We are going to be significantly short of money.”

Anyone who wishes to donate to help the rural museum with its repairs can donate here.

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What Legally Counts As Workplace Bullying?

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What Legally Counts As Workplace Bullying?

Legal comment provided by Jayne Harrison, Head of Employment Law at Richard Nelson LLP.

Recently, reports claimed that Channel 5′s Dan Walker is set to appear before an employment tribunal following allegations of workplace bullying.

But what is the legal definition of workplace bullying to begin with – and how can you tell if it’s happening to you?

What are your rights if you think you’re being bullied in a professional setting?

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We spoke to Jayne Harrison, a head of employment law, about the topic.

What’s the legal definition of workplace bullying?

There isn’t a single legal definition of bullying.

But, Harrison told us, “ACAS defines workplace bullying as offensive, intimidating, or malicious behaviour that abuses, undermines, or humiliates the recipient.

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“Bullying is usually characterised by behaviour that is directed at an individual, either with the intent to cause distress or with reckless disregard for the consequences. This behaviour must go beyond the ordinary unpleasantness of a workplace and create a foreseeable risk of harm.”

Additionally, bullying can involve a pattern of repeated and deliberate behaviour, such as spreading malicious rumours, excluding specific people from work activities, and consistently undermining a worker.

“These actions are designed to create an intolerable working environment for the victim. In contrast, a general negative work environment may involve unpleasantness or conflict that does not specifically target an individual or cause harm.”

Sometimes, Harrison continued, seemingly professional demands can count as bullying too.

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“Acas cite deliberately giving someone a heavier workload than everyone else as an example of bullying. If the targets or unfair workload are unreasonable, impossible to achieve, or used specifically to humiliate or punish an employee, then this would be classed as bullying.”

Can a one-off event count as workplace bullying?

Yes, said the lawyer, especially if it “is severe, intentional, or creates a lasting intimidating or hostile environment”.

The nature and severity matter here, she added. Something like “shouting, making derogatory remarks, or overbearing supervision could be considered bullying if they cause the recipient to feel vulnerable, humiliated, or undermined.”

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Power structures are an important consideration here, as are the intentions behind the behaviour, and whether it exploited “specific vulnerabilities of the individual, such as their age, sex, or disability”.

People in positions of power can be bullied by those on a lower rung of the corporate ladder, she added.

“This is sometimes called ‘upward bullying’ or ‘subordinate bullying’. It can be from one worker or a group of workers,” and may involve refusing to take orders, spreading rumours, repeatedly undermining an individual’s authority, and deliberately setting someone up to look incompetent when they are not.

What should I do if I suspect workplace bullying?

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Harrison suggested five steps:

1) Set boundaries

“If someone’s behaviour makes you uncomfortable, try to address it early. Calmly let the person know that their actions or words are inappropriate and that you would like to be treated with more respect. Setting clear boundaries can help prevent these situations from escalating.”

2) Communicate (and document everything)

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“Speak up if you witness bullying or feel like you have been affected. You might start by talking to a trusted colleague, manager, or HR representative. Document what is happening, including dates, times, and details. This can be important if the issue needs to be formally addressed later.”

3) Take notice of your environment

“Be aware of how people are being treated in the workplace. If you see disrespectful behaviour, support your colleagues and speak up when it is safe to do so. Promoting kindness and respect helps create a better environment for everyone.”

4) Be mindful at work events

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“At networking events or work functions, remember that alcohol can sometimes lead to poor judgment or unprofessional behaviour. Know your limits, look out for others, and step away if a situation feels uncomfortable. You have every right to remove yourself from any environment that feels unsafe.”

5) Use safe reporting channels

“If you experience or witness bullying, report it through the appropriate channels. Most organisations have confidential reporting processes where your concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately. You do not have to face it alone. Reach out for support from HR, your manager, or an employee assistance programme if available.”

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