The Northern Irish companies are among 389 employers from across the UK named for failing to pay workers the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers.

Twenty-three Northern Irish companies have been ‘named and shamed’ by the UK Government for failing to pay their staff the minimum wage.

The findings come alongside enforcement action against businesses failing to pay their staff the legal National Minimum Wage, making clear that workers won’t be made to pay for the mistakes or negligence of those they work for, regardless of how big or well-known they are.

New figures show a total of around £12.6 million in penalties have been issued to 389 employers, with these fines coming on top of the repaid wages.

In total, 2,240 employees at Northern Irish-based companies were underpaid a total of £157,695.53.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “The vast majority of businesses in this country do the right thing by paying their staff properly and playing by the rules. It’s not fair on them when others are able to get ahead by not paying the wages their workers are owed.

“A good employer doesn’t build their business on the back of unpaid wages, and I look forward to working with the new Fair Work Agency to ensure its powers are used to crack down on those who think the rules don’t apply to them.”

This is the first ‘naming round’ since the Chancellor’s Budget commitment to publish more frequently, putting more pressure on employers to keep their payroll up to date and boosting workers’ confidence that when they’re treated poorly by their boss, swift justice will follow.

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said: “Nobody should finish a week’s work and find they’ve been paid less than they’ve earned. I believe in a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

“That’s why we’re cracking down on employers who underpay. We’re making sure workers get the hard earned pay they deserve.

“I encourage every employer to check their payroll to ensure they don’t get caught out.”

This is also the final naming round before the Fair Work Agency begins its work on 7 April, a brand-new enforcement body formed through the recently passed Employment Rights Act to bring workers’ rights enforcement under one roof for the first time.

Offering a single, streamlined place where employers will be able to get guidance on how to follow the rules, the Fair Work Agency will have more muscle to ensure that workers across the country get every penny they are owed.

This not only includes enforcing payment of the minimum wage but is soon set to tackle those who break the law by denying holiday and sick pay.

Today’s announcement also comes ahead of further increases to the minimum wage, which will see the lowest earners over 21 years old receive an annual pay boost of £900 for those working full time. Coming alongside the decision to extend Statutory Sick Pay to 3 million more workers, freeze the 5p fuel duty cut and cap energy prices so that households save £117 on their bills next month.

Full list of NI companies named and shamed

• Omniplex Holdings (NI) Limited, Lisburn, BT28, failed to pay £43,611.37 to 973 workers
• Stix & Stones (NI) Ltd, Belfast, BT1, failed to pay £3,546.29 to 38 workers.
• Belmont Hospitality Limited, Banbridge, BT32, failed to pay £3,148.25 to 30 workers.
• K Magill and Co Ltd, Dungannon, BT70, failed to pay £2,198.45 to 1 worker.
• Clinker Pubs Limited, Belfast, BT5, failed to pay £1,662.99 to 6 workers.
• Botanic Way Limited, Belfast, BT7, failed to pay £1,326.70 to 36 workers.
• Marlborough Engineering Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £1,129.82 to 1 worker.
• J.D. McGeown Limited, Belfast, BT9, failed to pay £1,015.02 to 3 workers.
• Margaret Forbes Ltd, Belfast, BT1, failed to pay £982.72 to 2 workers
• Mrs Fiona Loughran, Mrs Denise McCann and Mr B McCann, Belfast, BT9, failed to pay £920.38 to 16 workers.
• Kamakura Sushi & Ramen Limited, Belfast, BT7, failed to pay £818.19 to 25 workers.
• Mr Tony Cheuk and Mr Peter Cheuk, Coleraine, BT52, failed to pay £808.60 to 16 workers.
• Northside Graphics Limited, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £753.24 to 4 workers.
• Blethers (N.I.) Ltd, Belfast, BT6, failed to pay £559.02 to 6 workers.
• Millars Fish N Chips Limited, Newtownards, BT23, failed to pay £522.11 to 13 workers.
• P.G. McGillion (Motors) Limited, Strabane, BT82, failed to pay £4,363.05 to 6 workers.
• Clear Healthcare, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £5,295.45 to 33 workers.
• The Ballykelly Group Ltd, Banbridge, BT32, failed to pay £5,630.96 to 15 workers.
• Over The Rainbow Childcare Limited, Belfast, BT9, failed to pay £6,393.71 to 75 workers.
• North Down (Belfast) Limited, Belfast, BT11, failed to pay £7,179.60 to 21 workers.
• Garlor Limited, Belfast, BT8, failed to pay £7,288.03 to 527 workers.
• Dale Farm Cooperative Ltd, Belfast, BT3, failed to pay £15,773.25 to 96 workers.
• Linden Foods, Dungannon, BT70, failed to pay £38,987.87 to 296 workers.

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Wing Kyle Steyn, fly-half Finn Russell and back row Rory Darge are named from a Scotland side which recovered from an opening defeat by Italy to claim three wins and secure third place in the championship.

Italy won two matches in finishing fourth in the table, with their performance reflected in the selection of hooker Giacomo Nicotera, prop Simone Ferrari and centre Tommaso Menoncello.

Prop Rhys Carre, who went over for a storming score against Ireland, is the sole representative from Wales, who finished their campaign on a high by sealing victory over the Italians.

England’s only win of the tournament came against Wales in their opening game as their fifth-place finish, with just eight points, was their worst in the history of the Six Nations.

Six Nations Team of the Tournament: Thomas Ramos (France); Kyle Steyn (Scotland), Tommaso Menoncello (Italy), Stuart McCloskey (Ireland), Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France); Finn Russell (Scotland), Antoine Dupont (France); Rhys Carre (Wales), Giacomo Nicotera (Italy), Simone Ferrari (Italy), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Mickael Guillard (France), Jack Conan (Ireland), Rory Darge (Scotland), Caelan Doris (Ireland).

A brother whose sister travelled from the UK to Dignitas is pleading with the House of Lords to “show some compassion” as he recalls the last time he saw her alive.

Terminally ill protesters will be outside Parliament on Friday to mark the second anniversary of Paola Marra’s death at Dignitas.

The grim anniversary coincides with the 11th Day of Committee Stage and Dying In Dignity with their campaigners are urging the Lords to stop ‘blocking’ the bill and remember Paola. Before Paula, the ex-wife of Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, travelled to the Swiss clinic she was in “unbearable” pain from breast and bowel cancer. But the former music industry and charity worker, 53, put that aside to make a film about the need for a UK law change. It began: “When you watch this, I will be dead.

Her brother, actor and film maker, Tony Marra, 56, who lives in Canada, told of the last time he saw his sister alive.

OPINION

READ MORE: Assisted dying bill defeat won’t stop change in England, campaigners vow

“It was a video call and she was at Dignitas. The connection wasn’t very strong, so we were kind of speaking over each other, one of those awkward conversations,” he said.

Finally, she said, “I’ve got to go,” and we said, “I love you.” The look on her face – I’ll never forget – it was just full of love and despite the bad connection, that look of love came through.”

Asked how he coped knowing she was alone in Switzerland, he said: “I was gutted. I really wanted to be there with her. I told her I just need a day’s notice and I’ll fly over. I said I want to respect your wishes and she said, ‘I want to do this. I need to do it alone.’

“She was determined to see it through and not get me in trouble. I think it’s cruel. Thankfully the people at Dignitas are very loving. She spoke about them before she died, so that was reassuring.”

His sister made two films, one to be released to the public and one for her brother and friends. In the former she said: “I’m choosing to seek assisted dying because I refuse to let a terminal illness dictate the terms of my existence.

“The pain and suffering can become unbearable. It’s a slow erosion of dignity, the loss of independence, the stripping away of everything that makes life worth living.

“Assisted dying is not about giving up. In fact, it’s about reclaiming control. It’s not about death, it’s about dignity. It’s about giving people the right to end their suffering on their own terms, with compassion and respect.

“So, as you watch this, I am dead. But you watching this could help change the laws around assisted dying.”

Her brother said in a message to the House of Lords: “I would ask them to have some compassion and put their personal beliefs, whether they be religious or political, aside.

“Think of those who are currently dying and even those who have yet to be diagnosed, those are the ones that will benefit from law change.”

Of the assisted dying bill defeat in Scotland this week, he said: “I was a little gutted because I thought it would create great momentum and show that the country wants it and the Scottish want it.

“But I think that we’re heading in the right direction. There’s more MSPs that have voted for it than ever, so. I think we’ll get there in Scotland eventually. But it was tough.

“I’m remaining optimistic [about England]. I think the bill will fail. I think that’s obvious. But I think that we need to get it back into the h

House of Commons. I think there’s more appetite than before actually because even MPs that have voted against the bill are really angry about what these few peers have done.”

He told how despite his sister’s “unbearable” pain she had a date organised for her death and was determined to “celebrate her life with her friends”.

“She loved London and when she had a date picked, I came to the tea party and really celebrated. We weren’t able to explore London like we used to, but just to be with her was very sweet.”

He told when she was first diagnosed he had been with her and had spoken of him joining her in Switzerland.

“But as she dug in and researched, she found that I might be, in trouble if I went with her, so she said, ‘Tony, as much as I like you there, you can’t. So I honoured her wishes’.

“She really wanted to make a mark when the video was really incredible to me. To be able to organise that as she was dying was remarkable.

“She was in pain throughout, but she really wanted to do something before she died. So that’s why I’m so proud to try to keep her voice alive.

“She was very open about what she was going through. So she had a lot of drug treatments, chemotherapy, and a lot of surgeries.

“And with the surgeries on her bowel, often when it healed, it would create lesions and then blockages. So those blockages were quite painful, the scar tissue. And then there were side effects from those blockages. Quite horrendous.” He described how people are unable to have an assisted death in the UK as “cruel”.

“She knew that as she got close to the end that those side effects would prevail and so the pain plus those side-effects were something she wanted to avoid.”

Tony explained how his wife has secondary breast cancer and as they live in Toronto has access to an assisted death “should she choose that”.

Dying in Dignity, who organised Friday’s protest, said: “While the Lords scrutinise this Bill, people are still being failed by the current law in the same way Paola was,” they said.

“Two years on, Paola’s anniversary is a powerful moment to ask: what has changed, and what hasn’t?

“This Bill has been supported by MPs in 2 free votes and enjoys significant public support, yet it is being blocked by a small group of unelected peers who all have historic opposition to the principle of assisted dying.”

Opponents raised several concerns about the proposed bill in England and Scotland, particularly fears of people being coerced into an assisted death.

Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour – born with no left arm and a right arm that ends at the elbow – said disabled people were “terrified” of assisted dying legislation.

He warned the bill would open “a pandora’s box” and said there could be “no meaningful protection” against coercion.

The keen runner has decided to take on an six-day trek through the Great Silk Road route, which winds 200 miles across the wilds of Tajikistan.

Stirling student Ava Drake is preparing to take on a spectacular running challenge across Central Asia as part of efforts to protect a fragile environment.

Ava is a PhD student at the university’s institute of aquaculture, which studies issues including backyard fish farming – with some parts of the world suffering the impact of climate change on their incomes.

As part of her efforts to support a global charity supporting the issue, keen runner Ava has decided to take on an six-day trek through the Great Silk Road route, which winds 200 miles across the wilds of Tajikistan.

Speaking to the Observer, Ava explained the reasoning for stepping up to the plate and why the cause is so important.

She said: “I’ve always been someone drawn to a challenge and I’ve already done the Mongol Derby, which is a 1,000km horse race across Mongolia on the former postal route of Genghis Khan.

“I was scrolling online and saw the information about the Great Silk Road run and once I decided to commit to it, I wanted to find a cause which would make the journey more impactful for me.

“The run will support Aquaculture without Frontiers, which is an NGO looking to put funds into countries like Tajikistan which are facing a lot of challenges in aquaculture.

“The country faces serious food insecurity, with limited land for traditional agriculture and many people living below the poverty line.

“Aquaculture offers a sustainable, year-round source of protein, supporting local livelihoods and communities.

“One of the things I was told about a trip like this is to make sure you have a ‘why’ because that will help when times get tough.

“I’ve seen the impact of successful projects in aquaculture and so knowing how important the funds could be will help to keep me going – I know there will be a wider cause beyond the race itself.”

The Great Silk Run was started up by intrepid pair Danny Bent and Nick Carter and brings together participants from all over the world, weaving through the rugged terrain of the Pamir Mountains as well as crossing high mountain passes before ending near the Karakul Lake on the border with China.

Ava admits the run is a step up from her other challenges to date – and has been following an intense training programme including long-distance running, strength work and altitude conditioning.

She continued: “I’ve been on a rigorous plan since January because it will be a marathon a day in terms of distance and I also have to get used to the altitude element.

“I’ve been making use of the Munros across Scotland for that, a lot of climbing and running as well as making sure I have the right kit.”

To find more about the run and the charitable cause, you can visit Ava’s website on runningforresilience.org.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Markwayne Mullin moved a step closer to becoming President Donald Trump’s next homeland security secretary after a Senate committee Thursday narrowly advanced his nomination.

The 8-7 vote came after a contentious hearing Wednesday and sent the Cabinet nomination to the full Senate, which could act to confirm the Oklahoma Republican next week.

That vote included a “no” from the Republican chairman, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, and a “yes” from a Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. The approval comes as the parties are fighting bitterly over the policies of the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a funding lapse that is now in its 34th day.

During his testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Mullin tried to make the case that he would be a steady hand after the tumultuous tenure of Kristi Noem, Trump’s first DHS secretary. Mullin also signaled support for Trump’s immigration priorities, which are central to the funding standoff after the death of at least three American citizens at the hands of federal agents.

Paul pointed to comments Mullin made after a funding fight, when he called Paul a “freaking snake” and said he understood why a neighbor had tackled Paul in a lawn care dispute. That incident happened several years ago, and Paul suffered multiple broken ribs and later had surgeries he linked to the attack.

“I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force?” Paul said.

Mullin refused to back down.

“For you to say I’m a liar, sir, that’s not accurate,” Mullin said.

Paul later said he would not vote for Mullin’s confirmation.

Fetterman, who has frequently challenged his own party, said his vote was “rooted in a strong committed, constructive working relationship with Senator Mullin for our nation’s security.”

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP

I cannot resist the combination of lamb, sweet dates and nutty tahini. You need plenty of herbs, though, to cut through the sweetness here, so use loads and don’t stint on the feta cheese either. Greek yogurt and shreds of preserved lemon zest would help, too. Serve with couscous, bulgar wheat or little olive oil-roasted potatoes.

Requires 30 minutes-2 hours marinating.

Footage from Russian state broadcaster RT has captured the moment a missile lands just a few feet from where its reporter was broadcasting in southern Lebanon.

RT, formerly Russia Today, said Steve Sweeney, its Lebanon bureau chief, and his cameraman had “miraculously survived” and were being treated in hospital.

The BBC has verified the footage.

There have been ongoing Israeli air strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.

More on this story.

Airlines have suspended or rerouted services as safety concerns and airspace closures continue to affect global travel, with routes linking Manchester to key Middle Eastern destinations among the hardest hit.

Flights between Manchester and Kuwait and Dubai were cancelled today, including:

• Kuwait Airways flight KU114 to Kuwait (12:00 departure)
• Emirates flight EK018 to Dubai (13:15 departure)
• Kuwait Airways inbound flight KU113 (10:30 arrival)
• Emirates inbound flight EK017 (11:15 arrival)

The disruption has left many passengers in Bolton and surrounding areas facing uncertainty, with some forced to rearrange travel plans at short notice.

Travel experts have warned that the situation is ongoing, with further cancellations and delays likely in the coming days as airlines continue to adjust schedules.

Across the UK, thousands of flights have already been affected since the conflict escalated, with Manchester Airport among the worst impacted regional hubs.

In a statement on its website, Manchester Airport advised passengers seeking refunds to use its official Booking Cancellation/Refund Request Form.

The airport said: “If you have booked parking, FastTrack and/or Lounge through a third-party travel agent, please contact them directly as we are unable to process cancellations or refunds on their behalf.

“If you purchased cancellation protection, you can cancel and receive a full refund via self-service up to one hour before your scheduled departure time.”

Passengers are being urged to check with their airline before travelling to the airport and allow extra time for their journeys.

Smaller and more compact than a treadmill or rowing machine, the right exercise bike can be a great investment.

“Indoor cycling is low impact, but high intensity,” says Alana Murrin, co-founder at Saint Studios Dublin and former head instructor at London’s Psycle studios. “It’s a huge mind booster and mood shifter. Even when I just have small bursts of time, I can put on a 20-minute express workout and get that same sensation I get from an in-person class.”

Cyclists who use stationary bikes for short, high-intensity interval training can significantly improve performance on the road. “Twenty to 30 minutes is the sweet spot for those working out at home,” Murrin says. “If you commit to doing that every other day, you’ll find that consistency is more valuable than intensity.”

On a mission to improve my own fitness, I’ve spent months testing several of the best exercise bikes on the market. Only four made my final cut. Here they are.

The best exercise bikes of 2026: At a glance

How to choose the best exercise bike

There are three main types of exercise bike.

• Upright exercise bikes (sometimes called static bikes) have an upright seat position and higher handlebars. They also tend to have a larger and more padded seat.
• Spin bikes have lower handlebars and geometry similar to a road bike – they are what you would find in an indoor cycling or spin class.
• Recumbent exercise bikes see you sit slightly reclined, with your feet in front of your body. These are useful for those with reduced mobility.

Once you’ve chosen your style of bike, the next thing to consider is its resistance. Most exercise bikes use a flywheel – a metal disc that provides the resistance to your pedalling. Spin instructor Alana Murrin recommends magnetic or electromagnetic resistance, which is quieter and smoother to adjust than direct contact or “friction” resistance. “I’m looking for a fluid sense of resistance,” she says. “If it feels clunky, you’re not going to be able to work up to higher speeds.”

Size is also a key consideration: you need to be able to fit the bike in your home and store it. Then there’s technology. Top-of-the-range models come with monitors to give you real-time feedback, show online cycling classes and simulate outdoor rides, or a tablet holder for using training apps such as Strava and Zwift.

How I test exercise bikes