SHOPPERS have shared their devastation after noticing a popular M&S drink has vanished just months before Christmas.

Eagle-eyed customers have raised concerns after its pre-mixed cans of Pink Gin and Tonic have been removed from stores.

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Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, an upset customer said the news was a “crime“.

They wrote: “Discontinuing its tinned pink G&T’s is a crime against all the beautiful and fun-loving people.”

The alcoholic beverage has been a hit with shoppers for over a decade but was quietly axed from stores at the end of last year.

The 25cl tin contained 8% gin and was infused with cranberries.

One shopper described it as their “go-to” tipple on social media.

Meanwhile, another said it tasted like “strawberry jelly” and was their “favourite thing ever”.

But now an M&S spokesperson has confirmed to The Sun that the pre-mixed cans are no more.

M&S Spokesperson said - ‘At M&S Food we are constantly innovating and refreshing our range, reacting to trends, and customer feedback.

“We are famous for offering a great selection of cocktails in a can, with new flavours including the delicious Blood Orange Margarita and Cherry Mai Thai, with more exciting launches in the pipeline. ”

They added: “Although the Pink Gin & Tonic is currently not available, we always listen to customer feedback when reviewing future ranges”.

It is not unusual for M&S to switch up its product ranges.

Last week, The Sun revealed its vegan range was undergoing a major revamp, which would see meat alternatives sold alongside traditional meat products.

As part of the change, products such as the Plant Kitchen Margherita Sourdough Pizza will not return to stores until January.

This has not impressed some customers with one describing it as a “terrible” idea in a Reddit post.

Earlier this year the store said it would axe some of the treats from its Colin and Connie sweet range as part of a product relaunch.

Over the summer, M&S scrapped its Colin and Connie “Together Forever” sweets.

M&S also confirmed that it is quietly axing the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow sweets.

The sweets were rainbow in colour with a sour sugary coating.

What else is new at M&S?

Thankfully, it is not all doom and gloom for M&S shoppers as the retailer confirmed it will bring back an iconic drink this Christmas.

The supermarket’s original snow globe gin liqueur will make a return for the holidays after a hiatus.

Previously, the gin came in two flavours – Clementine and Spiced Sugar Plum – but this year, only the Clementine one will be sold.

The store has started rolling out its entire Christmas range to shoppers, which includes hot honey over halloumi in blankets brie brulee, and Turkey Feast dip.

M&S’s food-to-order range for the holidays is also now open for online orders and collection between December 22 and December 24.

Why are products axed or recipes changed?

ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.

Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.

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They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.

There are several reasons why this could be done.

For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.

Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.

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They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.

For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.

It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.

Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.

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Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.

While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.

How to Find the Best Breakdown Cover: A Complete Guide 

Choosing the best breakdown cover can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but understanding your needs and comparing the different providers will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind during long road trips or simply need basic assistance for your daily commute, this guide will walk you through the best options, the average cost of breakdown cover, and how to save on your policy. 

What Is Breakdown Cover? 

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that helps you when your car breaks down on the road. Depending on the policy you choose, it can include roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and even cover for emergencies like flat tires or dead batteries. Understanding what services you need and how often you’re on the road will determine what kind of breakdown cover is best for you. 

Who Offers the Best Breakdown Cover? 

Several major companies provide breakdown cover in the UK, each with different levels of service. Here are some of the top contenders for the best breakdown cover in 2024: 

• AA: Often regarded as the best all-round provider, the AA offers 24/7 roadside assistance and a range of coverage options. They have an extensive network and quick response times, making them a reliable choice for motorists. 

• RAC: Another popular option, RAC offers comprehensive coverage with added benefits such as a fault report service to help diagnose the issue. They also cover cars, vans, and even motorbikes. 

• Green Flag: Known for their affordability, Green Flag is ideal for those looking for more budget-friendly breakdown cover without sacrificing service quality. Their recovery options are flexible, and they cover roadside assistance across the UK and Europe. 

• Admiral: Primarily an insurance provider, Admiral offers breakdown cover as an add-on to car insurance. They provide competitive rates, especially for bundled policies, which we’ll discuss later. 

• Start Rescue: A lesser-known option but gaining popularity for its low-cost cover and positive customer reviews. Start Rescue offers different levels of breakdown cover, including European cover. 

How Much Does Breakdown Cover Cost? 

The cost of breakdown cover can vary widely depending on the provider, level of coverage, and whether you’re looking for single or multi-vehicle protection. On average, the cost for basic breakdown cover starts around £30 to £50 per year, with more comprehensive policies costing £70 to £150 annually. 

Here’s a breakdown of the typical cover options: 

• Roadside Assistance: The most basic form of breakdown cover, where your car is fixed on the spot or towed to a nearby garage if necessary. 

• Vehicle Recovery: Offers to tow your vehicle (and you) to your home or destination. 

• Home Start: Includes assistance if your car won’t start at home. 

• Onward Travel: Provides accommodation or a hire car if your vehicle can’t be fixed right away. 

You can also purchase European breakdown cover, which tends to cost more but is essential for those who frequently drive abroad. 

Should You Get Bundled Cover or a Separate Policy? 

When finding the best breakdown cover, one of the key considerations is whether to bundle it with your car insurance or purchase a separate policy. 

Bundled Breakdown Cover: 

• Cost-Effective: Bundling breakdown cover with your car insurance or even your bank account services can be cheaper. Many providers, such as Admiral and Direct Line, offer discounts when you take out multiple types of insurance or services together. 

• Convenience: Having both your car insurance and breakdown cover with the same provider means dealing with fewer companies, which can simplify the claims process and save time. 

Separate Breakdown Cover: 

• Tailored Services: Buying breakdown cover separately allows you to tailor your policy specifically to your needs. It also enables you to compare the best breakdown cover providers to find the best deal. 

• Switch Flexibility: When your breakdown cover is separate, you can easily switch providers to get a better deal without affecting your car insurance. 

In many cases, bundling can save money, but it’s always worth comparing prices and services. Some bundled policies may not include all the features you need, so it’s essential to review the details carefully. 

How to Save on Breakdown Cover 

If you’re looking for the best breakdown cover at a reasonable price, there are several ways to save: 

• Compare Prices: Use price comparison websites to look at the rates and services of different breakdown cover providers. Sites like Compare the Market or MoneySuperMarket can offer deals exclusive to online shoppers. 

• Look for Discounts: Many providers offer discounts for new customers, online sign-ups, or for switching from another provider. Always check the provider’s website or ask if there are any promotional offers available. 

• Annual vs Monthly Payments: While it may be tempting to pay for breakdown cover monthly, it’s often cheaper to pay for the full year in advance. This can save you up to 10-15% depending on the provider. 

• Family and Multi-Car Discounts: If you have more than one car in your household, look for family or multi-car discounts. Many providers offer reduced rates if you need cover for more than one vehicle. 

• Evaluate Your Needs: Don’t pay for features you don’t need. If you only drive locally, for instance, you might not need a comprehensive policy with nationwide recovery. Similarly, if you rarely travel abroad, European cover might be an unnecessary expense. 

• Consider Cashback Offers: Some banks and credit card companies offer cashback or rewards when you purchase breakdown cover through their services. This can be a great way to save a little extra. 

• Automatic Renewals: Beware of automatic renewals, which often come at a higher price. Set a reminder to shop around for a better deal when your policy is up for renewal. 

The best Breakdown cover 2024

Finding the best breakdown cover doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by identifying your needs, comparing providers, and looking for discounts or bundled deals that can save you money. Whether you opt for a basic roadside assistance policy or a more comprehensive vehicle recovery and onward travel plan, there’s a wide range of breakdown cover options available to suit every budget and driving habit. 

Remember to regularly review your policy and ensure it offers the right level of protection for you. With the right breakdown cover in place, you can drive with the confidence that help is only a phone call away in the event of a roadside emergency. 

Employee engagement in the UK has hit a concerning 10-year low, with only 10% of employees feeling engaged, compared to the global average of 23%, according to workplace consultants Gallup.

This is particularly alarming for the UK financial services sector, which faces significant challenges as generational shifts approach.

By 2025, Gen Z will make up a quarter of the workforce, while one-third of financial advisers are expected to retire within the next three years.

To navigate this transition, firms must improve their employee engagement and management practices to attract and retain the next generation of advisers.

Disengaged employees have 37% higher absenteeism and 18% lower productivity

As Gallup highlights, Gen Z has zero tolerance for poor management leading to disengagement. If it’s not working for them, they move on.

Indeed, the consequences of low engagement are substantial. Gallup research shows disengaged employees have 37% higher absenteeism and 18% lower productivity.

Disengagement also drives high turnover, as employees leave for more fulfilling roles, increasing recruitment costs and damaging customer service. Ultimately, low engagement threatens a company’s reputation and profitability, making it a critical business risk.

Despite businesses collectively spending £257bn annually on engagement initiatives – a figure comparable to the National Health Service budget – many still struggle to make progress.

Gen Z has zero tolerance for poor management leading to disengagement. If it’s not working for them, they move on

So, why are these efforts not yielding significant improvements?

Executive coach and former head of Vanguard UK distribution Neil Cowell and I have wrestled with this issue. Having worked with Neil for over a decade, including placing 14 key people into his team at Vanguard, we’ve gained valuable insights from both leadership and recruitment perspectives.

A pressing concern that must be addressed is the rise of “quiet quitting” – a trend that has gained momentum post-pandemic as employees reassessed their work-life balance.

Quiet quitting refers to employees doing the bare minimum without leaving their jobs. Alarmingly, Gallup reports that six in 10 employees now fall into this category.

This trend should serve as a wake-up call for businesses to rethink their workplace culture, recognition systems and communication practices.

Quiet quitting refers to employees doing the bare minimum without leaving their jobs. Six in 10 employees now fall into this category

While many leaders turn to “Taco Tuesdays” and “Beer and Pizza Fridays,” the real issue runs deeper. To address disengagement, leaders must cultivate a culture of trust, communicate clear visions and show genuine care for their teams.

When employees feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond. Leaders who provide feedback, foster collaboration and challenge their teams create an environment where engagement thrives.

The benefits are significant, with Gallup research showing high engagement can boost profitability by 21%.

However, many organisations continue to struggle in making meaningful progress. Substantial investments in engagement programmes often fall short because they rely on superficial approaches that lack authentic leadership.

High engagement can boost profitability by 21%

Employees can quickly sense when these efforts are merely box-ticking exercises, which only deepens disengagement.

To drive meaningful change, businesses need a more hands-on, tailored approach to leadership development. Leadership behaviours must align with structured engagement programmes for real impact. Strong leadership is the foundation of sustained engagement and, when coupled with thoughtful initiatives, leads to higher engagement and better organisational performance.

At the heart of employee engagement is what employees truly crave: a sense of purpose and connection. Employees need to understand how their work contributes to the broader goals of the company and why it matters.

Recognition plays a crucial role in this – not just through financial rewards but also through genuine acknowledgment of their efforts.

In about 80% of cases, when someone accepts a counter offer to stay in their current job, they still leave within a year

In about 80% of cases, when someone accepts a counter offer to stay in their current job, they still leave within a year. This underscores that employees are seeking more than just monetary compensation; they want to feel valued and supported by leaders who care about their development and wellbeing.

In conclusion, employee engagement is critical to organisational success. To make meaningful progress, companies must go beyond surface-level solutions and take a more proactive approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of disengagement.

By fostering a sense of purpose, recognising employee contributions and embracing authentic leadership, organisations can create a culture where employees are not only motivated but fully invested in the company’s success. This approach will drive sustainable growth, increase revenue and ensure a thriving, engaged workforce for years to come.

Simon Evans is director at Clearcut Consulting – Engage First

WETHERSPOON’S has unveiled its 2024 Christmas menu including a brie pizza – but some items from last year haven’t made the cut.

The pub chain’s festive range is available from November 13 until December 31 with some tasty bites and meal deals on offer.

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Hungry punters will be able to snap up a new 11 inch cheese pizza combining gooey mozzarella, brie, cheddar, blue cheese sauce topped with rocket from £9.84.

Those with less of an appetite can get a smaller eight inch portion for £6.51.

There’s also a new vegan five gold rings burger on offer from £10.43, combining a Beyond Meat plant-based patty, BBQ sauce, iceberg lettuce, tomato and red onion, topped with five onion rings.

And punters will once again be able to feast on the sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables meal with drink from £11.99.

The classic menu option comes with four slices of turkey breast, pork, apricot and cranberry stuffing, carrots, parsnips, Maris Piper mash, two pigs-in-blankets, peas, cranberry sauce and gravy.

The iconic big cheese burger is also back on menus within weeks, featuring gooey brie slices, topped with halloumi fries and blue cheese dip, all for £10.43.

Fans of a sweet dessert will be keen on the cookies and cream blondie too, which is going on sale for £4.99.

The rich chocolate brownie is packed with white chocolate and crushed cookie pieces, served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie crumbs.

The Deli Deals, which include a chicken, stuffing, bacon and cranberry panini, brie and cranberry panini, small southern-fried chicken and stuffing wrap and southern-fried chicken and stuffing wrap are also back from £4.11 next month.

The Deli Deals and other festive meal options, including burgers, pizzas and roast, all come with a soft or alcoholic drink.

It’s not all good news though as some of the iconic mains and puddings on sale in 2023 have been axed this year.

Hungry punters won’t be able to get their hands on the salted caramel sticky toffee pudding or iconic mince tart.

Meanwhile, the bacon and garlic mushroom pizza isn’t available for customers to buy this Christmas.

Bear in mind, the prices of each meal above can vary between branches so you may not pay the exact same amount.

Make sure you double-check what’s on offer at your local branch and ask at the bar for prices.

Wetherspoons full Christmas menu is listed as follows:

• Sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables (with soft drink) – £11.99
• Sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables (with alcoholic drink) – £13.52
• The big cheese burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• The big cheese burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• Brie & bacon burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• Brie & bacon burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• Chicken & stuffing burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• Chicken & stuffing burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• The five gold rings burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• The five gold rings burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• 11″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza (with soft drink) – £11.02
• 11″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza (with alcoholic drink) – £12.55
• 11″ big cheese pizza (with soft drink) – £9.84
• 11″ big cheese pizza (with alcoholic drink) – £11.37
• Any 3 small plates – £14.93
• Pigs in Blankets – £5.19
• The big cheese chips – £6.03
• 8″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza – £7.09
• 8″ big cheese pizza – £6.51
• Chicken, stuffing, bacon & cranberry panini (with soft drink) – £5.70
• Chicken, stuffing, bacon & cranberry panini (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• Brie & cranberry panini (with soft drink) – £5.70
• Brie & cranberry panini (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• 12″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with soft drink) – £5.70
• 12″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• 10″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with soft drink) – £4.11
• 10″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with alcoholic drink) – £5.64
• Cookies & cream blondie – £4.99
• Chocolate-Orange Espresso Martini each – £5.87
• Chocolate-Orange Martini 2 for – £9

Wetherspoons isn’t the only chain or retailer gearing up for the festive period.

Côte restaurants has launched an indulgent range of Christmas meals that shoppers can get delivered to their front door.

And the range has been designed by none other than Steve Allen – Gordon’s Ramsay’s former Executive Chef.

Tesco has also unveiled its Christmas range for 2024, including pigs in blankets stuffing balls and a fancy dessert costing £20.

Meanwhile, Aldi is offering customers some quirky items this year including fudge-flavoured cheese.

M&S and Sainsbury’s have both shared their Christmas menus with customers too.

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