Cash boost for millions of workers as government backs new law to ensure all staff keep their tips New legislation to make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff It means customers will know for certain that all tips will go to hard-working employees, who will take home more money The Tipping Bill will benefit more than 2 million workers and, for the first time, will give them the right to see an employer’s tipping record Millions of UK workers will be able take home more of their hard-earned cash under new legislation, backed by the government today (Friday 15 July), banning employers from withholding tips from their staff. Despite most hospitality workers – many of whom are earning the National Minimum Wage - relying on tips to top up their pay, there are still sadly too many businesses who shamefully fail to pass on service charges from customers to their staff. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, introduced by Dean Russell MP and backed by the government, will ensure that all tips go to staff by making it unlawful for businesses to hold back well-earned service charges from their employees. This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors – who tend to reply on tips the most – and will help to ease pressures caused by global inflation and an increase to the cost of living. Business Minister Jane Hunt said: “At a time when people are feeling the squeeze with rising costs, it is simply not right that employers are withholding tips from their hard-working employees. “Whether you are pulling pints or greeting guests, today’s reforms will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it. “I particularly want to tip my hat to the work of Dean Russell MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality.” Through the Bill, a new statutory Code of Practice will be developed to provide businesses and staff with advice on how tips should be distributed. On top of this, workers will receive a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping record, enabling them to bring forward a credible claim to an employment tribunal. Dean Russell, Conservative MP for Watford, said: “I am delighted that my Tips Bill has passed second reading in Parliament. It is fantastic that we are on track to securing a fair deal for millions of people working in hospitality across the country. It has always felt wrong that some employers have retained tips intended for their staff. This new legislation will halt this practice, particularly given the current challenges around the cost of living. I would like to thank all of the businesses and stakeholders that have got in touch to voice their support.” The move towards a cashless society has exacerbated the problem of companies keeping card tip payments for themselves, and today’s measures, once in law, will ban that practice. UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Tips and service charges provide a significant and welcome boost to hospitality employees’ take-home cash. So we’re delighted to see this proposed legislation recommend that employers can set a fair distribution policy for staff, meaning they all benefit. This should also reassure prospective hospitality sector workers at a time when the industry is seeking to fill vacancies. Today’s reforms follow a range of government action to support people with the cost of living and help those on lower incomes keep more of what they earn. Most notably, earlier this year the government increased the National Living Wage to £9.50 per hour – equivalent to an extra £1,000 a year for a full-time worker – with a full campaign which encouraged workers to check their pay. In addition, the government recently announced a widening of the ban on exclusivity clauses, giving the lowest paid workers flexibility to top up their pay and work multiple jobs if they wish. The reforms come at a time when there are more employees on payrolls than ever before – and unemployment has reached an all-time low.

Beatlemania is about to make a very welcome comeback in Leicester, as The George Harrison Project brings its hugely popular show to The Little Theatre on Saturday 4 July, 2026 — guitars tuned and harmonies polished. George Harrison wasn’t just “the quiet one” — he was the musical powerhouse behind some of the most loved songs in history. As part of The Beatles, he helped shift more than 600 million records worldwide. https://www.thegeorgeharrisonproject.com/ After the Fab Four hung up their matching suits, Harrison went on to form The Traveling Wilburys, the only supergroup in history where every member could legitimately be called a legend. He also released a string of solo albums, including the iconic All Things Must Pass, proving he didn’t need three other Beatles to make magic. Now, The George Harrison Project brings his extraordinary catalogue back to life with a show that’s equal parts nostalgia, musicianship, and pure joy. These performers don’t just play the songs — they inhabit them, delivering the warmth, wit, and spiritual sparkle that made Harrison so beloved. Expect a night packed with classics like Here Comes The Sun, My Sweet Lord, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, What Is Life, Handle With Care, End Of The Line, and plenty more. If you’re not humming by the interval, check your pulse. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a feel‑good journey through the soundtrack of a generation. Audiences laugh, cry, sing along, and occasionally attempt to hit the high notes (results may vary). One thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave with a full heart and at least one Beatles lyric stuck in your head for the next week. Performed with passion, precision, and a genuine love for Harrison’s music, this show celebrates a legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and occasionally make grown adults misty‑eyed. Tickets for the July 4 performance at The Little Theatre, starting at 7:30pm, can be booked via thelittletheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 0116 255 1302.

The legend that is Queen will be blasting through the cosmos at the National Space Centre on the 29 May at Queen Heaven, an audiovisual planetarium experience dedicated to one of the most enduring bands of all time. Set beneath the vast dome of the UK’s largest planetarium, the show pairs Queen’s biggest anthems — including Bohemian Rhapsody and Who Wants To Live Forever — in a space designed to surround you with sound and atmosphere. A one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, visitors will be treated to Immersive full dome visuals on the UK’s largest planetarium screen using original footage, images & remastered concert clips of Queen’s Greatest Hits and all in stunning surround sound. From the foot-stomping energy of We Will Rock You to the epic sweep of Bohemian Rhapsody, you’ll hear Queen’s unforgettable hits in a space designed to surround you with sound and atmosphere. Alongside the music, you’ll enjoy a specially created full dome visual show – a rare chance to see Queen’s songs brought to life in a planetarium setting. Originally crafted over a decade ago, the visuals have a nostalgic charm of their own. The true magic lies in experiencing these anthems together, in a space where every note feels larger than life enabling Queen fans the opportunity to celebrate the band’s legacy like never before. Throughout the event, guests can explore the National Space Centre itself — the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space — including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life. Tickets for all events are available now via the National Space Centre website- https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

People are being invited to have their say on school term dates in Leicester, with two proposed options both retaining the usual mid-July start to the summer holidays. An online consultation opened on Tuesday 5 May and will run for six weeks, giving people the chance to comment on proposed dates for the academic years from 2027/28 to 2031/32. Two proposed models are being set out, both of which retain a mid-July end to the academic year but differ in the structure of the autumn term. Model one proposes that the academic year starts just before the August bank holiday. It includes a two-week autumn half-term break, intended to break up the longer autumn term. As a result, the summer holiday would be slightly shorter, at around five and a half weeks. Model two would see pupils returning to school after the August bank holiday and a one-week autumn half-term break. The academic year would still end in the second week of July. Both options would mean the summer holidays start in Leicester at roughly the same time as they do currently. The consultation presents full calendar details for each model, including term dates and holiday periods across the five-year period. Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “Both of the options we are consulting on would see no change to our usual mid-July end to the academic year. We’re asking people to give us their views on starting the autumn term a little earlier and having a two-week half-term in the autumn, or whether to retain the current pattern. “Feedback on the proposals will be used to inform a future decision on which model to adopt.” The consultation is available to fill in at consultations.leicester.gov.uk until 15 June.

Hundreds of fines have been sent to drivers after a new camera car caught them breaking parking rules in Leicester. The city council has introduced a new enforcement car, equipped with a number plate recognition camera, to help tackle illegal and dangerous parking. Since taking to the streets four weeks ago, the CCTV car has captured a total of 1,509 motorists flouting existing parking restrictions across the city. Anyone caught parking illegally by the camera car will be automatically issued with a £70 fixed penalty notice. The new CCTV car can be used to monitor and enforce moving parking offences on red routes, zigzag markings on school streets, and bus stop clearways where illegal parking can put the safety of others at risk and cause unnecessary congestion. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “In its first four weeks, the CCTV enforcement car has caught hundreds of motorists flouting parking rules. They will now face a fine, but more importantly receive a strong message that illegal and dangerous parking will not go unpunished. “We know that camera enforcement and fines can be a very effective deterrent. We are sending the CCTV car out to areas where we know there are persistent issues with illegal parking but no current fixed camera enforcement. “Councils have a duty to tackle dangerous and illegal parking. We are confident that the new CCTV enforcement will be an effective tool to clamp down on dangerous and inconsiderate parking, especially in areas where there are lots of children and busy traffic.” In the first 28 days, the CCTV car’s patrols haves resulted in 1,475 fines being issued for illegal parking on red routes on London Road, Gravel Street and Abbey Lane. A further 34 penalty charge notices have been issued for illegal parking close to school gates outside eight city schools. The purchase and ongoing maintenance of the CCTV enforcement car will be paid for from parking fine income with any surplus ringfenced for local road safety improvements. Leicester City Council News

Two new 20mph zones are set to be introduced in residential parts of Leicester. Leicester City Council has approved plans to place the reduced limit on 42 streets in the Aylestone and Guilford Road areas of the city. The proposed schemes are the latest in a rolling programme of 20mph zones citywide. In Aylestone, 36 residential roads will be covered by the new 20mph zone, extending restrictions already in place in the area. Most of the roads covered by the new scheme will be between Aylestone Road and Saffron Lane, stretching from Duncan Road in the south up to Boundary Road and Hughenden Drive. It includes roads close to Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Traffic calming measures are proposed for the Aylestone scheme. These will include speed cushions on Duncan Road and Milligan Road, and a raised table to provide a continuous footway on Duncan Road. The Guilford Road scheme will cover the following six roads: Barrington Road, Dovedale Road, part of Freemantle Road, Guilford Road, part of Knighton Grange Road, and Westminster Road. Speed bumps will also be introduced as part of the scheme. The introduction of the new 20mph zones follows consultations with ward councillors and residents with most responses in favour of the proposed schemes. Of the residents that responded to the Aylestone Park proposals, 81 per cent were in favour of the plans, with 90 per cent of respondents supporting the proposals for the Guilford Road area. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve listened to ward councillors and residents to ensure that these latest two 20mph zones are a good fit for their local areas. “It’s the latest phase of a rolling programme that has seen improvements made in communities across the city to help make residential streets safer for everyone to use. "Lower traffic speeds greatly reduce the risk and severity of traffic collisions, help reduce noise and anti-social driving, and can encourage people to feel more confident about walking or cycling in their neighbourhoods." The total estimated cost of the introducing the two new zones is £145,000 and will be funded from the council’s transport improvement works budget. Implementation of the schemes is expected to be later this year. LCC News

Ease off, before it kicks off’ – the message of Leicestershire Police’s new behaviour change campaign which aims to reduce and prevent violent crime within the night time economy caused by cocaine use. Designed by police colleagues and behaviour change experts, the data-led campaign, which is aimed at men aged between 18 and 40-years-old, encourages men using cocaine on a night out to get support and take back control. Launching today (Tuesday 1 August), #CharlieIsInControl comes following a detailed study which has shown a rise in low-level violence in the night-time economy related to cocaine use. The campaign creatively turns ‘Charlie’, a reference for cocaine, into a character. Charlie’s influence becomes clear from the campaign video as he is presented as manipulative and controlling. A representation is made of how cocaine changes a person’s behaviour and the relationships they have with others. "Violent Crime such as actual bodily harm (ABH), assault or affray happening in the night time economy related to cocaine use has risen by 27% over the last two years. “Since July 2022, we have studied a cohort of 600 individuals as part of the Drugs Testing on Arrest programme (DToA). The aim of DToA is to identify individuals arrested for criminal offences who would benefit from drug treatment or support, and divert them to such services. Being involved in this data collection has helped to identify repeating factors and led to us forming this campaign. “Our aim is simple - we want to increase engagement with support services which are available to help stop cocaine use and to encourage changed behaviour. Taking cocaine can cause lasting harm. We want people affected by cocaine use to get the support and to take back control.” Leicestershire’s local support service for substance misuse, Turning Point, have supported the project by providing key insight to help design suitable learning material. The educational campaign content will be shown to those in custody at a time when they are reflecting on their behaviour and actions. Turning Point currently work within Leicestershire Police’s custody suites by offering confidential advice and support as a first step towards making a positive change. The campaign aims to increase custody referrals and self-made referrals for those who also need help but are not in custody. Klaudia Wawrzyniak, Specialist Custody Suite Advanced Recovery Practitioner at Turning Point, said: “We have worked closely in collaboration with Leicestershire Police to develop this powerful campaign. Its aim is to educate people and offer a point of reflection of the impact drugs and alcohol have when related to subsequent offending. Allowing people to make alternative choices on a night out. “Through working in the custody suites, we have seen increasing numbers of people having been found in a police cell under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. We look forward to utilising this material in various interventions with service users across the service, including group work and 1:1 key work appointments.” Leicestershire Police developed the project with support from Together Agency and partners, Turning Point. The campaign will launch today across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. For full details and further information visit: #CharlieIsInControl

A man has died after he was arrested in New Parks last night. Police cordon on Aikman Avenue Leicestershire police have just released the following statement. An investigation is being carried out into the death of a man following police contact. Officers were called to a report of a man causing significant damage inside a flat in Aikman Avenue, Leicester, just before 7pm last night (Thursday). The caller was concerned about their own safety, as well as the safety of the person causing the damage. On arrival officers detained the man, who became unresponsive, and CPR was carried out. He was taken to hospital, where he sadly died just before 10pm. A scene preservation was in place last night on the corner of Aikman Avenue and Pinder Road and has now been lifted. We would ask any witnesses to make contact with us. The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Video taken Thursday 14th July 2022 10:30pm

Murder investigation launched following discovery of a body – three men in custody A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a body in a house in the West End area of Leicester. Officers went into a house in Harrow Road at 4pm on Friday afternoon (24 March) and found the body of a man. Formal identification has not yet been carried out. A post-mortem examination will be taking place. A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. Two further arrests were made last night. A 45-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in police custody. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “We are at the scene and will be over the coming days, carrying out house-to-house enquiries and trawling CCTV to piece together the movements of the victim and the suspects. “We are still in the very early stages in the investigation, working to identify what’s happened and when, and who’s responsible. “If anyone has any information about anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Harrow Road in the last few days, please, contact us with information. “We’d also ask people to contact us with CCTV footage or dash cam footage – have you been in the area of Harrow Road in the days before Friday 24 March? Were you using your phone and have any phone footage that might help us? “Anything, no matter how small you think it is, it may be helpful to this investigation. Please, we urge you to get in touch.” Information can be given to the force via the online portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM23I25-PO1 or by calling 101, quoting incident number 271 of 25 March.

A Teenager was Stabbed in the city tonight. Picture by Leicester Media Parts of Charles Street at the corner of Humberstone Gate is currently closed to the public. Early reports are saying a man was taken to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, with injuries unknown. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 5.50pm to a report of a stabbing in Humberstone Gate. “A 19-year-old man was injured and has been taken to Queen’s Medical Centre for treatment to a stab wound. 🔴 Full Police statement released Issued on 20/3/19 at 7:09 p.m. Officers are in attendance following a report of a stabbing in Humberstone Gate, Leicester. Police were called at 5.50pm this afternoon. The injured man, a 19-year-old, has been taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre for treatment for a stab wound. There are cordons in place in Humberstone Gate and in Charles Street. The incident happened in Charles Street, and the injured man then moved to Humberstone Gate. No roads are closed. Officers are in the area and are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident. Patrol and Resolution Inspector Gaynor Turner is dealing with the incident. She said: “We know there were some cross words between the suspects and the injured man just before the incident from some witnesses we have already spoken to. “But any information that can help us identify the person, or people responsible for causing this injury, is vital.” Call 101, quoting incident number 581 of 20 March. Updated News A man arrested following a stabbing in Leicester city centre on Wednesday evening (20 March) has been released from police custody. The 24-year-old was arrested yesterday (Thursday) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following the incident on Humberstone Gate, Leicester. He has been released from police custody pending further investigation. #LivesNotKnives #humberstonegate #leicesterStabbing

IMAGE: Commardarie in Action: AGE UK’s Men In Sheds members working on a project. The Melton Building Society Charitable Foundation is proud to announce its 25th anniversary. Established in 1998, the Foundation has been dedicated to promoting and supporting local charitable and community activities within a 15-mile radius of each of the Building Society's branch offices in Melton Mowbray, Grantham, Oakham, Bourne and Stamford. Over the past 25 years, the Charitable Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of individuals and organisations in need. Through its fundraising efforts, the Foundation has raised over £400,000 to support local charities and community initiatives in Melton Mowbray. "We are thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Melton Building Society Charitable Foundation," said Simon Taylor, Chief Executive of Melton Building Society. "Throughout the years, the Foundation has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the community. We are immensely proud of the £404,000 donated thus far, which is a testament to the generosity and collective efforts of our employees, members, and supporters." Martin Reason, Chair of Trustees at the Foundation, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We wish to sincerely thank all the Trustees who have played a role in supporting our communities over the years. Your efforts have made a lasting impact on individuals and made way for positive change." Throughout September, Melton Building Society will be shining a spotlight on some of the incredible charities and initiatives that the Foundation has supported over the years. Their social media pages will be sharing inspiring stories of how the Foundation has helped to improve lives and build stronger communities. Simon continues: “As the Foundation enters its 26th year, Melton Building Society remains dedicated to its mission of creating a lasting impact within the communities it serves. The Charitable Foundation's legacy of generosity will continue to uplift and support local charities, organisations and individuals in need, for many more years to come.”

A man has died following a collision in Aylestone Road this morning (Friday 25 November). Shortly before 4am, an officer from the force’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) attempted to stop a black BMW, but the driver failed to do so. A pursuit was authorised but a short time later the car – which was travelling county-bound – collided with a tree close to the junction with Richmond Avenue. The driver of the car – a man in his 20s – was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger – a man in his 20s – suffered injuries that were not life-threatening or life-changing. He has since been discharged from hospital. The road was closed for a number of hours to allow the investigation to take place and has since reopened. Following the collision, as is mandatory following any death involving police contact, the force’s Professional Standards Department were informed and the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The investigation will be led by the IOPC. As part of the investigation, following a routine roadside drugs test, an officer has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and has since been released from custody while more detailed blood tests are carried out. Detective Inspector Steve Kilsby from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The investigation is in its early stages, and will be continuing throughout the evening. “I would ask anyone with dashcam footage, who saw the collision occur or saw the black BMW beforehand to get in touch. Any details you’re able to provide could help.” You can pass on information by visiting and quoting incident 51 of 25 November. Alternatively call 101. #LeicsPolice #AylestoneRoad #LMNews