Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking to the media during a visit to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, in Dover, Kent. Since the start of 2025, the number of National Crime Agency officers tackling organised immigration crime has more than doubled from 376 to almost 800. Picture date: Sunday August 2, 2026.

PA Wire

By ELEANOR MANN

Published: 16:56 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 16:59 BST, 2 August 2026

Small businesses could be burdened even further by an employment law change set to come into effect on January 1 next year. 

The Employment Rights Act will mean that, from next year, employees will be able to claim ordinary unfair dismissal after six months rather than two years, which is the current law. 

In practical terms, this means small business owners will have less time to decide whether new workers are suitable before they are entitled to a lot more rights. 

Although the law has been praised as it will offer employees greater protection, it will also make it harder for small business owners to change staff and put them under pressure to make a decision about whether an employee is to be permanent.  

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With small businesses under pressure already from policies introduced under Rachel Reeves‘ chancellorship, and unemployment rates at 4.9 per cent, experts worry that the sweeping changes set to be introduced will put the labour market under further pressure. 

Under the new law, the existing cap on the maximum amount of compensation that a fired worker can receive for successful unfair dismissal claims will also be removed. 

This could have a costly effect on small businesses, who have suffered already under changes enacted under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. 

Then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced an increase in Employer National Insurance contribution rates from 13.8 to 15 per cent, while the earnings threshold at which employers start paying dropped sharply from £9,100 to £5,000. 

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Hard-hit small business owners could face a compliance burden in the new year under the Employment Rights Act 

Rachel Reeves’ policies, including increasing employer contributions to national insurance, already put many businesses under strain 

This policy – alongside an increase in the national living wage for teenagers and young people – made small businesses less driven to employ young people or more staff due to higher labour costs. 

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Small businesses also faced higher business rates, with high street and larger commercial properties valued over £500,000 facing higher costs, de-incentivising small business growth. 

And the one request from the small business and hospitality sector – a reduction in VAT – was refused, denying companies some relief. 

This latest law change by Labour will put an extra burden on compliance for already hard-hit small businesses. 

Employers will now also have to provide a written reason for dismissal if requested by the employee.  

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Katie Nightingale, Director of People Consulting at Grant Thornton UK, said: ‘Businesses are already squeezed in a slow economy so will naturally have concerns about investing in training for managers to be set up for the new bill. 

‘This is where the government needs to step up and support. It should provide SMEs with straightforward, accessible templates for compliant recruitment, probation and performance-management procedures. 

‘It should also use the Growth and Skills Levy to fund short, practical courses that build line-manager capability without imposing a prohibitive cost or time commitment.

‘Poor recruitment and performance management are expensive long before a case reaches a tribunal. Mis-hires, employees ‘checking out’, and avoidable staff turnover all damage productivity.

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‘Grant Thornton UK helps businesses build hiring and performance practices that work in the real world, not just on paper. This isn’t about ticking a box.

‘Clear expectations, capable managers and honest conversations will help businesses ensure they have the right people working for them and achieve successful outcomes for employees.

‘For SMEs, it’s time to act before it’s too late.’ 

How businesses can prepare  

Three pieces of advice from Grant Thornton UK:

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1. DO review recruitment processes – Recruitment must be robust and standardised, with clear guidance helping hiring managers make consistent and defensible decisions. Objectives should be measurable, reasonable and agreed from an employee’s first day, rather than hastily introduced when a problem emerges several months later. 
2. DON’T assume your managers know the policy – Asking somebody to confirm that they have read a new policy is no substitute for teaching them how to conduct an honest performance conversation properly. 
3. DON’T leave performance conversations until the last minute – Managers must hold regular, structured development conversations and record what has been discussed. Waiting until an employee approaches the six-month mark before raising concerns is simply too late. Employers need evidence that expectations were clear, support was provided and issues were addressed fairly. 

Swimmers will be granted free parking permits for a city centre car park

Swimmers at a city lido are being granted free parking at a city centre car park this summer. Regular swimmers at Peterborough’s Lido are being offered free parking if they purchase swim passes in bulk.

Swimmers who purchase passes for 20 and 40 swims will be given a permit for free parking at the Regional Pool car park in Bishops Road. The scheme, in partnership with Peterborough City Council and Vivacity, will run throughout this year’s Lido season until 30 September.

The move coincides with the launch of another free parking scheme in Peterborough which has been funded by the Combined Authority. From August 3, parking will be free after 3pm at the council’s Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow car parks.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We’re extremely proud to have a fantastic facility like the Lido in Peterborough which many people have already enjoyed this summer with the warm weather. We’ve launched this free parking scheme to encourage even more people to get swimming and also enjoy what our city centre has to offer, so I would encourage everyone to use it.”

As someone whose wardrobe is made up of about 90 per cent Spanish brands, I confess that I have considered a trip to Spain solely to visit my favourite stores.

While I haven’t managed to rationalise that quite yet, thankfully you can now nab yourself a continental wardrobe without having to hop on an easyJet flight.

Europe is fit to bursting with fabulous mid-market fashion brands – many of which are now available in the UK.

So whether you’re heading to Provence and want your suitcase to be packed full of ‘a la mode’ items, or you’re staycationing but want to look like you’ve bought all your clothes in Rome, here’s my guide to the best European stores which are available to shop in the UK. 

Consider it your one-way ticket to style.

Italy  

I adore Italy’s unwavering commitment to chic and the fact you get odd looks from locals if you go to the supermarket in flip-flops or activewear. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to be super formal. No one does relaxed chic better than the Italians.

Intimissimi has a great cotton shirt and shorts set which will have you fit in with the fashionistas in Rome. ViBi Venezia is also a great footwear option. 

It makes traditional Venetian furlane slippers, reinterpreted for the modern wearer in bright velvets and silks, that are available online and in store at Harvey Nichols and Farfetch.

 France

In recent years, a bevvy of French brands boasting wares beyond Bretons and white shirts have burst on to the scene. 

Balzac Paris has several stores in the French capital but, mon dieu, is also available at Liberty. 

This screams farmhouse fabulousness. Top, £100, shorts, £100 and sandals, £165, sezane.com

And, of course, you can never go wrong with Sezane, which is invading the High Street with increasing pace. This checkered blouse screams French-farmhouse fabulousness. 

For your feet, Repetto is still queen of the oh-so-French ballet flat and is stocked by Farfetch and Aime London in its Notting Hill store and online.

 Spain

I am on a one-woman mission to give Spanish women their rightful crown as the best-dressed in Europe. 

Something they do particularly well is what they call invitada dressing, i.e. occasionwear (look up the Duchess of Huescar for inspo). 

The Sailor Blouse could work for a wedding. Top, £97, Tiny Big Sister at anthropologie.com

Something they do particularly well is invitada dressing.  Dress, £89.99, mango.com

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For my sister’s wedding I’m wearing a pink statement skirt by Seville-founded Cherubina and a silk top by Pontevedra-founded Coosy. Sadly, neither of these brands are available yet in the UK. There are, however, some great alternatives. 

There’s The Tiny Big Sister, founded in Barcelona and stocked at Anthropologie. Its sailor blouse with matching trousers and heels could work for a country wedding, or with flats would be perfect for beachside dinners. 

If you want something a bit more formal, Spanish staple Mango has this great dramatic asymmetric dress in terracotta.

 Portugal

My luggage being lost on a work trip to Lisbon last year made me particularly acquainted with the joys of Portuguese fashion, particularly their bright accessories. First stop? Parfois. 

Founded in 1994 in Porto, the brand now has stores on most high streets in Portugal and, I was delighted to discover, offers free UK shipping for all orders over £39.99. 

Think of it as a Portuguese version of Zara price-wise, but with more unique pieces you’d think were from a small independent boutique (cue lots of ‘where did you find that?!’). 

Think of it as a Portuguese version of Zara price-wise. Shoes £45.99, parfois.com

Founded in 1994, the brand now has stores on most high streets in Portugal. Shoes £45.99, parfois.com

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Then for a colourful bag, click on Lemon Jelly. Bag, £75, lemonjelly.com

Its gorgeous suede and leather pumps are available in a range of summery colours and look five times the price. 

Then, for a colourful bag, click on Lemon Jelly. I’ve got my eye on this playful, clementine bucket bag, which you can easily wipe sand off after long beach days.

Greece

Flip flops have gone high-fashion this summer, and for a smart but beachy pair look no further than Ancient Greek Sandals. 

If you want other classics with a modern Greek twist, head to Athens-founded Greek Archaic Kori, stocked by Liberty. Its gorgeous, embroidered dress, with a flattering wrap waist, will be the envy of friends on holiday. 

Flip flops have gone high-fashion this summer. Flip flops, £170, ancient-greek-sandals.com

For a smart but beachy pair, look no further. Flip flops, £190, ancient-greek-sandals.com

This dress will be the envy of friends. Dress, now £209.25, Greek Archaic Kori at julesb.com

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The former Top Gear star has found success beyond the screen with his Hawkstone IPA, which was crowned England’s Best IPA at last year’s World Beer Awards.

Now, the popular British beer is making its way to the dinner plate.

Marston’s Hawkstone Pies (Image: Marston’s)

Marston’s has announced that Hawkstone IPA will feature in a new Hawkstone IPA & Beef Pie, set to launch in almost 500 pubs across the UK from tomorrow. Available for a limited time only, the hearty dish combines tender beef with the distinctive flavour of Clarkson’s celebrated ale, giving pub-goers a delicious new way to enjoy the award-winning brew.

For fans of Hawkstone and classic pub grub alike, it’s the perfect excuse to raise a glass and tuck in.

The pie contains seasonal vegetables and Barber’s Cheddar, all encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. The Hawkstone IPA & Beef Pie is served with seasonal vegetables, lashings of extra gravy and either chips or mash. 

Founded by Jeremy, Hawkstone has been brewing award-winning beer using the best produce from British farms since 2021. 

The brand is on a mission to shine a light on the incredible work that British farmers do to keep the country running and Marston’s is supporting the cause by serving Hawkstone at hundreds of its pubs across the UK. 

 The beverage is said to perfectly balances bursts of tropical and citrus notes, with richness from malt and hop bitterness, making it the perfect addition to the rich gravy. 

Andy Cross, Sales Director at Hawkstone, said: “Farming isn’t just ‘how’ Hawkstone is made, it’s ‘why’ it’s made. The more Hawkstone you drink, the more barley we buy from British farmers. That’s why we’re thrilled Marston’s is serving Hawkstone IPA, not just by the bottle but also in a Great British pub classic, in almost 500 pubs nationwide. So, visit your local Marston’s pub, tuck into a pie and help us celebrate the farming community before stocks run out.”

 Kiran Bains, Director of Brand Activation, at Marstons, said: “We’re so excited to working with Hawkstone to bring our new take on a pub classic to almost 500 of our pubs across the UK. British beef and Hawkstone IPA are a match made in heaven, and we’ve created a really delicious dish to serve to guests up and down the country, introducing Hawkstone to more customers and giving them a new reason to visit their local. We can’t wait for everyone to try it!”

Those serving up the treat include Jolly Crofters on Chorley Old Road, Horwich and Sparking Clog in Radcliffe.

For other establishments visit www.marstonpubs.co.uk/hawkstone/

Clarkson’s Farm follows the long-time television presenter and his crew as they navigate the challenges of running Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The sixth season of the show is due to air in 2027.

It is understood that those trapped were safely brought back to the ground after around an hour.

Emergency services were called to an incident at a funfair in Belfast city centre this afternoon as a ride stopped while suspended in the air with passengers on board.

The incident happened at the funfair on Dunbar Link on Sunday, with around 15 people understood to have become trapped when the ride came to a halt mid-air.

Multiple emergency service crews were dispatched to the scene, including at least three NIFRS appliances and specialist rescue teams.

The incident unfolded as thousands of people were in Belfast for the opening weekend of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with large crowds gathered across the city centre.

It is understood that those trapped were safely brought back to the ground after around an hour.

There have been no reports of any injuries at this stage, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet clear.

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

James McClean criticised Derry City’s European exit on social media – and Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch was asked about the former Ireland international’s comments ahead of their League of Ireland clash with St Patrick’s Athletic

Tiernan Lynch has stressed that his attention remains on “the players that are here today” when quizzed about James McClean’s social media outburst following Derry City’s elimination from European competition.

The Candystripes crashed out of Europe last Thursday, suffering defeat at the hands of Croatian outfit Rijeka in the Conference League — their fourth consecutive European loss this summer, having previously fallen to CSKA Sofia in the Europa League.

McClean subsequently took to social media in a post that has since been removed, in which he stood by his teammates while suggesting “an issue somewhere” within the club.

“Rovers, Bohs, Shels, Larne have all progressed through ties in Europe this year. We played four, lost four,” he wrote following the home defeat against Rijeka.

“And sorry, it needs to be said, we have every much as good, if not better, a squad on paper (compared to those clubs), said it already last time out.”, reports the Irish Mirror.

“If you watch the games, the lads aren’t losing these games based on lack of effort, just like all season, so clearly there is an issue somewhere.

“Given (I) am around it every day and have the CV to give my opinion, I think I’ll give it whether anyone likes it or not.

“If you don’t like it, then you’ll excuse me for not caring about your opinion, given that 99.9pc that have a lot to say have never played a professional game in their lives. Anyways, on to the next.”

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McClean then turned his attention to Roddy Collins in a TikTok post on Sunday, hitting back following Collins’ criticism of the former Ireland international. The footage emerged on Sunday, prior to Derry City’s League of Ireland fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin.

McClean’s name was not on the teamsheet for the 5pm encounter, and before the match got underway, Lynch faced questions regarding his player’s social media criticism.

He responded: “My job here at Derry City is to work with the players that are here today and get us prepared for St Pat’s.

“Obviously it’s a game we are really looking forward to. We haven’t played a league game in about a month. So today is all about this group of players.

“An extremely difficult game, no doubt. Obviously Pat’s are flying at the moment, they play really good football, very athletic, they are sitting where they are in the league for a reason, so we are expecting a tough game.”

Lynch added: “You are still able to bring maybe one or two players in if you get the right people out of contract and all that goes with that.

“There have been lots of changes over the last six months here at the club, but there seems to be a lot of stability now and we are looking forward to moving forward.”

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Major wildfires next to a busy rail track have stopped trains from running to a major London airport.

Huge plumes of smoke were seen for miles across north London as fire engines tackled a grass fire near in Waltham Abbey, Essex on Sunday.

At least 50 people reported the grass fire breaking out to the side of the tracks at around 2pm.

At the fires height around 14 hectares of field, about the size of 20 football pitches, were burning next to the River Lea.

People are seen being taken off trains as they grind to a halt on the way to Stansted Airport.

A spokesperson from Rammey Marsh Cruising Club told Metro: ‘There are quite often fires on the marsh by the River Lea. But we were told they had sorted it out.’

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said the fire was under control by 5pm after burning for three hours.

They said: ‘At the height of the fire, around 14 hectares of grassland was alight.

‘Traffic on the M25 is likely to remain affected due to earlier smoke travel in the area. As an additional precaution, train services from Waltham Cross have been suspended.

‘Crews used water backpacks and wildfire beaters to tackle the fire. Wildfire beaters are made of a long handle with a flat piece of rubber at the end, they’re used to beat the flames, depriving them of oxygen and cooling down the area.’

A Stansted Express spokesperson said: ‘Train services running through this station may be delayed or diverted via Seven Sisters. Disruption is expected until further notice.

‘Unfortunately, we have received reports of multiple fires close to the railway lines and as a result, and a safety precaution, the London Fire Brigade have instructed that all train movements in the area be stopped.

‘In reaction trains towards and from Liverpool Street will be diverted via Seven Sisters until further notice.

‘Network Rail and the emergency response team are on site working as quickly as possible to put out the fires and restore the train service to normal.’

MORE: Helicopter bursts into flames after mid-air crash while fighting wildfire in Greece

MORE: Fears for summer holidays sparked by ‘fuel shortage’ at Gatwick Airport

MORE: Pilot spots ‘flying saucer’ from cockpit of plane near London Gatwick Airport

David Beckham‘s 5ft11″ frame was dwarfed by 6ft6″ Michael Jordan as they enjoyed yet another outing in the South of France on Saturday.

The trendy sporting legends shared a friendly embrace at a restaurant in Port de Saint-Tropez.

David, who has been relaxing on his £16million yacht with his family, was joined by his wife Victoria and son Romeo. 

Victoria, 52, turned heads as she stepped out in a glamorous burgundy gown and matching heels from her collection.

She packed on the PDA with David, 51, who cut a casually cool display in a white T-shirt and trousers. 

The couple looked more than loved-up as they held hands while heading to their exclusive dinner spot. 

Posh and Becks are currently in the same area as their estranged son Brooklyn, who is currently on holiday with his wife Nicola Peltz on his godfather Sir Elton John’s yacht in the South of France.

David, who has been relaxing on his £16 million yacht with his family, was joined by his glamorous wife Victoria

Victoria, 52, turned heads as she stepped out in a glamorous burgundy gown and matching heels from her collection

Michael, 63, arrived for the dinner alongside his wife of 13 years, Cuban model Yvette Prieto.

Yvette looked effortlessly elegant in a champagne dress with white lace, teamed with a white Hermes handbag.

David and Michael are longtime friends, with the footballer even choosing Michael’s famous number 23 when he joined Real Madrid in 2003.

The former England star has previously shared how star-struck he was to meet the basketball player in a restaurant.

He said: ‘Even though he was sat at a table with Madonna and a couple of others, I was looking straight at him.’

‘Victoria just nudged my leg and said, “Stop embarrassing me”. Michael stood up and I shook his hand and his whole hand covered the whole of my arm.’

Since retiring from their respective sports, David and Michael have moved into sports ownership, with Michael having a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets and co-owning NASCAR’s 23XI Racing while David has ownership stakes in both Inter Miami and Salford City FC.

Earlier in the day, the Beckhams were pictured relaxing on their luxury £16million yacht, Seven. 

David and Victoria bought their 130ft boat in 2022, after previously buying a smaller vessel by the same name the year before.

It boasts five cabins, sleeping ten people and seven crew members.

Their boat features a spa bath on the upper deck, as well as a 65ft garage, plenty of water toys and a jet-ski to keep the family entertained.

The trendy sporting legends shared a friendly embrace at a restaurant in Port de Saint-Tropez

David and Michael are longtime friends, with the footballer even choosing Michael’s famous number 23 when he joined Real Madrid in 2003

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She packed on the PDA with David, who cut a casually cool display in a white T-shirt and trousers

The couple looked more than loved-up as they held hands while heading to their exclusive dinner spot

Posh and Becks are currently in the same area as their estranged son Brooklyn, who is currently holiday with his wife Nicola Peltz on his godfather Sir Elton John’s yacht

Michael, 63, arrived for the diner alongside his wife of 13 years, Cuban model Yvette Prieto

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Yvette looked effortlessly elegant in a champagne dress with white lace, teamed with a white Hermes handbag

The former England star has previously shared how star-struck he was to meet the basketball player in a restaurant

The families hugged before sitting down for dinner together

Victoria shared a sweet hug with Michael’s wife

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Victoria showcased her toned arms and shoulders while reaching out for a hug

David wrapped his arms around Romeo as they watched the sunset

They relaxed on the sundeck of their yacht before heading out for dinner

Earlier in the day, the Beckhams were pictured relaxing on their luxury £16million yacht, Seven

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David showed off his ripped physique as he enjoyed a dip in the sea

Seven is named after David’s iconic football shirt number as well as their daughter Harper’s middle name.

Victoria and David recently followed the World Cup around the US with Romeo, Kim, Harper, 15, Cruz, 21, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30. 

Despite living across the pond, their eldest son Brooklyn has avoided all family outings amid their ongoing estrangement. 

Brooklyn has not acknowledged any of his parents’ birthdays or milestones publicly since their rift began, around the time of David’s 50th celebrations, and failed to share a post for Father’s Day this year.

It was previously reported that Brooklyn was ‘furious’ that his parents had included him in a Father’s Day post and wants them to ‘leave him alone’.

Shortly before Christmas last year, Brooklyn blocked his parents on Instagram, while his lawyers later wrote to the Beckhams’ team requesting all communication be conducted through legal representatives. 

In January, Brooklyn released a scathing six-page statement denouncing his parents.

He announced he had cut ties with his family – declaring he was no longer part of ‘Brand Beckham’ and insisting his parents and their other children are ‘performative’.

Brooklyn also claimed David and Victoria had controlled him for much of his life, attempted to drive a wedge between him and Nicola and left him embarrassed when his mother danced ‘inappropriately’ with him during the first dance at his wedding.

Alonso held discreet meetings in London and his hometown of San Sebastian over three weeks in early May to ensure Chelsea was the right fit.

Despite questions as to why he chose the Blues over his former club Liverpool, there was no offer on the table from the latter.

“I had a view of Chelsea from the outside,” he explained, revealing how carefully he considered the move to Stamford Bridge and the early discussions with sporting directors about his vision for the club.

“I could see the positives and my concerns, so I addressed them. We had the same ideas, the same analysis, to start building momentum together. That is why we are taking these steps together and making decisions to build a good team.”

That vision extends to the signing of £117m forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. He was Chelsea‘s first-choice attacking target and was secured despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.

Alonso has also added full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta, who could prove key to implementing the system he used at Bayer Leverkusen, while talks remain open over left-sided option Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano.

“We have taken a few steps but I feel that we can still take a few more,” Alonso said when asked about the backing he has received.

Alonso has been careful not to overplay his hand when speaking to the media, but he always gives the impression he is heavily involved.

His role as the first manager, rather than head coach, under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital has perhaps been overstated. The club’s five sporting directors remain responsible for much of the operation, albeit in constant dialogue with Alonso and his staff.

As ever at this time of year, Chelsea are open for business.

There is genuine excitement around the arrival of striker Danny Welbeck, 35, who will now join the squad for pre-season.

His role will be to provide experienced cover for Joao Pedro while also bringing a positive influence behind the scenes.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, is also set to arrive after Chelsea were unable to secure Alonso’s former Bayer Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka from Sunderland.

As he did under England manager Thomas Tuchel at this summer’s World Cup, Henderson is expected to help drive standards as a vocal leader, something Chelsea have lacked.

It would be similar to the role Alonso played under Pep Guardiola towards the end of his career at Bayern Munich.

It is a senior revolution at the Premier League’s youngest team.

Chelsea have previously suffered from indiscipline, a perceived softness defending set-pieces and, perhaps most importantly, a lack of leadership and dressing-room culture.

“You need the right balance of personalities and stages of maturity, with players in their early 20s, early 30s and everything in between,” Alonso said of reshaping of his squad.

Culture is another area Alonso knows he needs to address. “In the Basque Country, we have a strong sense of collective purpose and culture,” he said.

Alonso believes that culture must extend beyond the playing squad. He recently provided the assists for the winning side in a staff game before Chelsea‘s overseas trip.