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One in Five UK Workers Fear Speaking Up About Mental Health, Study Finds

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More than one in five UK employees feel unable to discuss their mental health struggles in the workplace, according to new research highlighting persistent stigma and a lack of employer support.

The study, based on data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), reveals that 7.5 million workers experience anxiety, depression, or stress caused or worsened by their jobs. Despite these challenges, they do not feel safe disclosing their difficulties to their employers.

A significant gender divide emerged in the findings, with 3.9 million men reporting workplace-related mental health issues without seeking support. This figure is 8% higher than the 3.5 million women who experienced similar struggles, suggesting that men may feel a greater reluctance to ask for help.

Industry-Wide Disparities

The research also identified stark differences across industries. The automotive sector had the highest proportion of employees suffering in silence, with 1.13 million workers reporting unaddressed mental health concerns. This was closely followed by the health and social care sector, where 1.11 million employees kept their struggles private.

In contrast, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry recorded the lowest number of workers suffering unseen, at 264,000. The financial and insurance sector followed closely behind, with 256,000 employees reluctant to speak up about their mental health challenges.

Calls for Workplace Change

Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, which conducted the research, described the findings as “shocking.” He emphasized that while progress has been made in addressing mental health stigma, many workers still do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles.

“Our research shines a very necessary light on the issue, helping employers better understand just how widespread mental health challenges are,” Stockley said. “Change begins in the workplace, and with the right culture and training, employers can ensure their businesses are safe spaces for all who work there.”

The findings underscore the need for businesses to foster open discussions about mental health and provide proper support structures for employees. Experts suggest that implementing mental health training for managers, offering confidential support services, and promoting an inclusive workplace culture could help break down barriers and encourage workers to seek help without fear of stigma or repercussions.

As workplace mental health remains a growing concern, the study serves as a wake-up call for employers to take meaningful steps toward improving employee well-being and creating an environment where mental health can be discussed openly and without fear.

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Trump Media & Technology Group Expands Into Cryptocurrency and Fintech with Launch of Truth.Fi

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January 30, 2025

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Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), has announced plans to enter the cryptocurrency and financial technology markets under a new brand, Truth.Fi. The news prompted a 15% rise in TMTG’s shares during pre-market trading on Wednesday.

The company stated that Truth.Fi would focus on investment accounts and cryptocurrency services, including Bitcoin and other crypto-related securities. TMTG is committing up to $250 million to fund the initiative, with Charles Schwab managing the assets.

This expansion into the fintech space is expected to raise new concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering Trump’s previous role as president. Last week, Trump faced criticism for launching a meme coin shortly before his inauguration, an event that former government ethics officials called “shameful” due to its timing.

Despite struggling to establish a social network competitive with major players like Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram or Elon Musk’s X, TMTG has raised millions since becoming publicly traded last year. Much of its financial backing has come from its status as a “meme stock,” buoyed by social media attention rather than its performance in the social media market.

In a statement released Wednesday, TMTG, which is majority-owned by Trump, outlined plans to introduce a series of investment vehicles under the Truth.Fi banner in the coming months. Devin Nunes, the company’s CEO, described the move as a “natural expansion” of the Truth Social movement. Nunes further emphasized that Truth.Fi would support “American patriots” in defending themselves against “cancel culture” and “big tech censorship.”

The launch of Truth.Fi signals TMTG’s broader ambitions beyond social media, marking a shift toward the rapidly growing cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. However, as the company moves into these new areas, it is likely to face increased scrutiny regarding both its business practices and its founder’s previous political ties.

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UK Rental Prices See First Decline in Over Five Years, But London Sees Continued Rise

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January 28, 2025

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Rents across the UK have experienced a slight dip for the first time in over five years, according to new data from Rightmove. While rental prices outside of London have decreased marginally by 0.2%, tenants in the capital are still facing record-high rates.

The national average rent outside London fell to £1,341 per month, a drop of just £3, marking the first decline since late 2019. Though the change is minimal, Rightmove describes it as a “key milestone” reflecting an improving balance between rental supply and demand. Despite the decrease, rents outside London remain 4.7% higher than a year ago, although this is significantly below the peak inflation rate of 12% experienced in 2022.

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s head of trade marketing, attributes the easing of rents to a 13% increase in the number of rental properties available compared to last year, while the number of prospective tenants has decreased by 16%. The northeast of England has seen the most notable growth in rental supply, and Babcock believes that some renters may have transitioned to homeownership, aided by stabilising mortgage rates and slower house price growth.

Despite the slight drop, demand for rental properties remains high, with each property attracting around ten applicants on average. Since the first lockdown in March 2020, rents outside London have surged by 64%, while London rents have risen by 28%.

In contrast to the national trend, rents in London continue to climb. The average rent in the capital has hit a record high of £2,695 per month, marking new highs each quarter since late 2021. However, London’s annual rent increase of 2.4% is the lowest seen in nearly four years, suggesting a cooling off in the once-heated market.

Alex Bloxham, head of residential lettings at Bidwells, noted that the market is showing signs of cooling, stating that further improvements in supply could lead to downward pressure on rents in the future.

Meanwhile, the UK government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, aimed at enhancing tenant security and rights, may be introduced later this year. Although some landlords have expressed concerns about the reforms, Rightmove has not observed any immediate effects on the market as of yet.

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Amazon Moves Toward Same-Day Drone Deliveries in Darlington, UK

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January 28, 2025

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Amazon is taking significant steps toward launching same-day drone deliveries in the UK, starting with its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham. The company is seeking approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate drones in the airspace around the site, marking a potential breakthrough for its Prime Air service in the country.

A public meeting is being held in Darlington this week to discuss the proposal, as Amazon works to gain the necessary permissions to begin drone operations. If approved, the service would allow customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the warehouse—excluding restricted flight zones—to receive packages by drone. However, before deliveries can begin, Amazon representatives will assess each customer’s property to ensure there is adequate space for the drone to land. Customers will also need to set up a lightweight landing pad in their gardens for the drone to identify and land safely.

This move comes after Amazon received CAA approval in August 2023 for beyond-line-of-sight drone testing at a separate UK location. The company has already conducted Prime Air deliveries in parts of the United States, such as Texas and Arizona, and in Italy. However, the service was temporarily halted after test crashes in Oregon led to a software update. Amazon had originally planned to launch drone deliveries in the UK and Italy by the end of 2024, but that timeline has since been delayed, and no specific launch date for the Darlington service has been set.

Amazon’s history with drone deliveries dates back to a successful pilot in Cambridge in 2016. However, its UK drone programme was scaled back in 2021, and subsequent trials in places like Italy, California, and Oregon have faced challenges, including two drone crashes in Oregon during rainy conditions. Despite these setbacks, Amazon insists that the accidents were not the primary reason for the service pause, and the company is addressing the issue with an updated software system.

The UK is actively supporting the expansion of commercial drone services. Royal Mail has been testing drone deliveries to remote areas, including the Shetland Islands, and has extended its programme in Orkney until at least February 2026. Additionally, BT has invested £5 million in creating a 165-mile “drone superhighway” across southern and central England, enabling beyond visual line of sight flights under new CAA regulations.

While Amazon has not specified a launch date for the Darlington service, the company views this development as an exciting step forward. With regulatory approval and infrastructure in place, Amazon hopes to move closer to fully launching its Prime Air service in the region, continuing its efforts to collaborate with local residents and authorities.

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