Author: Scott Dylan

A new study has linked childhood sleep issues with a significantly higher risk for suicidal ideation and attempts during adolescence.The research highlights the importance of identifying and treating sleep disturbances early to potentially prevent tragic outcomes as children grow older.Recent research indicates that severe sleep disturbances at age 10 can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts by 2.7 times within the next two years. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of children with significant sleep problems eventually exhibit some suicidal behaviour.The findings are drawn from a significant dataset involving over 8,800 children across the United States, aged 9 to 10 at…

Over 20 women have accused former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed of rape and sexual assault. The allegations have come from former employees, citing incidents across global locations. Harrods has issued a strong condemnation and apologised for past failures. A BBC documentary has brought new evidence to light. Harrods prioritises claims settlement to avoid prolonged legal proceedings.More than 20 women who previously worked at the renowned London department store Harrods have come forward with serious accusations against the store’s former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. These allegations include both rape and sexual assault, presenting a grim portrait of Al Fayed’s tenure.…

The integration of digital ID systems in government plans has sparked civil society concern about potential ethnic discrimination.Key organisations warn that digital IDs could deepen societal divisions, especially affecting people of colour.Lack of transparency in government plans has been criticised as a contributor to potential discriminatory impacts.Research indicates strong public concern that digital ID technology may threaten civil liberties.Potential linkage of ethnic data with digital footprints is a primary concern among affected groups.Civil society organisations have expressed significant concerns regarding the government’s proposals to implement digital ID systems. These groups, including Careful Industries, the Open Rights Group, and Amnesty International,…

The UK’s competition regulator, the CMA, has postponed its report deadline to further investigate the cloud market.Originally due on 4 April 2025, the report is now expected on 4 August 2025.The investigation focuses on allegations of competitive harm, particularly concerning Microsoft’s practices.Google and Amazon have expressed concerns over Microsoft’s influence on the market.The CMA’s extended timeline reflects the complexity and depth of the issues being examined.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has rescheduled the release of its comprehensive report on the state of the UK’s cloud market. Initially slated for publication on 4 April 2025, the new deadline is now…

The UK is set to host a follow-up to the AI Safety Summit in San Francisco this November.This event follows significant discussions on AI safety in South Korea earlier this year.UK aims to implement measures agreed upon at prior summits, enhancing global AI safety frameworks.The conference underscores UK’s global role in AI safety, preparing for the AI Action Summit in France.A collaborative effort between British and US AI institutes, it aligns with new international safety initiatives.The upcoming conference in San Francisco on 21 and 22 November represents a pivotal moment in the global conversation on AI safety. Following the AI…

Fintech startup Yonder has successfully secured £23.4m in funding to enhance its offering for Millennials and Gen Z users.The company aims to expand its travel benefits and city exploration services with this new capital.Yonder’s recent funding is complemented by a valuation increase to over £100m post-money.Repeat and Latitude, notable investors, have reaffirmed their support for Yonder’s innovative approach.CEO Tim Chong highlights the company’s vision for an integrated travel and lifestyle experience for users.Fintech enterprise Yonder has successfully acquired £23.4m in new funding, marking a significant step in its journey to cater specifically to the Millennial and Gen Z market. This…

The UK government introduces new measures aimed at combating late payments by large firms to small businesses, enhancing transparency and enforcing accountability.Research from the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and the Federation of Small Businesses shows that delayed payments cost small businesses £22,000 annually.A consultation to explore strict new laws designed to make larger companies accountable for late payments has been launched, aiming for greater transparency.Proposed rules will require large firms to include payment data in their annual reports, allowing closer scrutiny by smaller suppliers.Government officials stress the importance of supporting small businesses by eliminating late payments as part…

Ocado has announced a significant revision of its annual sales forecast following a remarkable boost in retail performance.The company’s online supermarket arm experienced a 15.5% increase in sales during the third quarter, reaching £658 million, compared to the previous year.Order volumes also saw substantial growth, with a 14.7% rise in average weekly orders.Active customer numbers increased by over 10%, reflecting higher engagement with Ocado’s improved delivery and value offerings.Despite competitive grocery inflation, a strategic focus on pricing has enhanced Ocado’s value perception among consumers.Ocado has made a notable adjustment to its full-year guidance, projecting a low double-digit growth rate, a…

The Labour Party Conference reviewed the government’s developing policies for supporting the tech sector, considering both immediate challenges and future stability.Observers noted that despite limited time in office, the government’s preliminary policies for technology have been assessed.A congested political calendar highlights the need for swift decision-making in tech to encourage investor confidence.Summer evaluations show varying outcomes for the tech sector, spotlighting key areas like skills.Assessments reveal immediate tech industry challenges alongside individual areas of progress.In recent discussions at the Labour Party Conference, attention focused on the Liberal Party’s initial tech policies and their potential impact on the rapidly evolving sector.…

Morrisons transitions all customers to its unified ‘green’ app, enhancing the online shopping experience.The supermarket previously operated two apps, dividing users by region, which many found confusing.The transition to a single app simplifies the shopping process and includes new features for better usability.Changes were implemented over the summer in two phases to ensure a smooth user transition.Recent innovations align with Morrisons’ broader strategy to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.Morrisons has consolidated its online shopping platform, migrating all users from the older ‘white’ app to a newly improved ‘green’ app. This strategic move eliminates regional restrictions previously associated with using different…