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SCOTS pizza hut workers have become embroiled in a furious row with the franchise owner of dozens of restaurants.

The Glenshire Group runs 23 of the popular chain’s stores across Scotland.

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Pizza Hut staff have raised two grievances[/caption]

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They are in a row with the franchise owner[/caption]

But the row has erupted over two issues as the firm clashed with a trade union, Unite.

The first row emerged after the “drivers’ commission” of £1.45 per delivery was axed earlier this month.

Union bosses claim drivers have been given the choice of working without the commission or take a self-employed contract and earn £30 for an 8-hour shift and £3 per delivery, which they claim could see the delivery staff lose out on thousands of pounds each year.

Another clash unfolded over holidays and breaks for restaurant staff.

Workers blasted a new policy where leave requests have to be made four weeks in advance and another stopping leave days being carried over into the next financial year after March 31, claiming some staff were disbarred from taking any accrued remaining leave, and many were also not paid for leave they had submitted.

They also claim bosses took away discounts for staff and meals had while working.  There were also claims staff have had their pay docked for rest breaks they didn’t take.

Workers are set to protest outside the Pizza Hut in Leith at 1pm today.

Bryan Simpson, Unite’s lead organiser for hospitality said: “The way our members have been treated by the Glenshire Group is morally reprehensible and almost certainly illegal. 

 “Unite will not allow such a dangerous precedent to be set, and we will be doing everything in our power to support our members to fight back against these measures industrially, legally and politically.”

Sharon Graham Unite general secretary said: “The behaviour of Glenshire Brands across Pizza Hut outlets in Scotland is deplorable and reprehensible.

“The Pizza Hut workers can be assured of Unite’s complete determination to hold this employer to account.”

But Unite’s claims were completely rejected by Glenshire, with a spokesperson for the firm saying no changes have been made to staff breaks or annual leave policies.

They also refuted claims about delivery drivers, saying they are being changed to a “per mile” rather than “per delivery” model to help with fuel and insurance costs.

The firm added that Unite’s claims will be fully investigated.

A spokesperson for Glenshire Group said: “We can confirm that we received the two collective grievances on Sunday March 23, with the first relating to our delivery drivers’ compensations and the second relating to concerns including annual leave and rest break policies. 

“These grievances will be thoroughly investigated in line with our grievance process.

“Glenshire are absolutely committed to robust employment practices including honouring

all annual leave and break entitlement for our almost 800 colleagues.

“Driver Commissions have not been reduced, rather the remuneration model has changed from a ‘per delivery’ amount to a ‘per mile’ basis to better reflect fuel expenses and ensuring insurance costs are covered. 

“Alongside this, we have increased gross pay rates by bringing forward the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage increases by up to £1.20 per hour.

“There are categorically no blanket changes to self-employed contracts taking place. In addition, there have been no changes to break policies or annual leave entitlement.

“We are very much listening to our colleagues, to understand where there are any concerns and how we can swiftly resolve these and have organised internal meetings to hear their concerns.”

Pizza Hut have also said they are probing the claims made by Unite the Union and added they are taking their allegations seriously.

A spokesperson for Pizza Hut UK said: “Pizza Hut is deeply committed to ensuring a safe and fair working environment for all employees and as such has strict policies in place that its franchise businesses must adhere to. 

“Although Glenshire Group operates as an independent franchisee and is ultimately responsible for its own employment practices, we take these allegations seriously. 

“Glenshire will be actively engaging in the coming days with any concerned employees, and we will continue to investigate this situation.”

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Pizza Hut are probing the claims (Stock Image)[/caption]

RADIO star Chris Stark has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The DJ, 38, said he has undergone surgery and chemotherapy to prevent the disease from returning.

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Chris Stark has been having treatment for testicular cancer[/caption]

Capital Radio/Global

Chris, who used to co-host with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1 before joining Capital Breakfast, urged anyone with symptoms to see their GP as early as possible.

He said on Instagram: “Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctor’s, I found out I have testicular cancer.

“The reason I want to share this is that I feel like an idiot that I didn’t spot this sooner.

“And although I’m effectively cured and it was caught early, my hope is any bloke reading this will perhaps think to check themselves today. Or go to a doctor if not sure about any possible symptoms.

“Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18 to 49.

“I also think it’s a tricky subject matter to talk about, but I’m willing to put my now one ball on the line here if it helps make that conversation less tricky for guys, encourages someone to check themselves and potentially saves a life.”

Almost 2,500 new cases of testicular cancer are recorded every year in the UK.

There are around 65 deaths, according to Cancer Research UK.

As with all types of cancer, the earlier it’s caught, the better.

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle.

But the full list of early red flags includes:

1. A lump or swelling in part of one testicle (it can be as small as a pea but may be much larger)
2. A testicle that gets bigger
3. A heavy scrotum (it may also feel firmer or harder)
4. Discomfort or a sharp pain in your testicle or scrotum

If the cancer has spread, you may also experience back pain or a dull ache in your lower stomach.

Some people have a cough, difficulty breathing, problems swallowing, a swelling in the chest, and weight loss.

Treatment depends on several factors, including your cancer stage and grade.

Most people have surgery to remove their testicle as their first treatment.

After that, some need further chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Nine in 10 patients survive 10 or more years after diagnosis.

Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 49, though it can occur at any time.

It’s not always clear what causes the disease, but you might be more likely to get it if:

• You have or had undescended testicles (when one or both testicles do not drop down into the usual place in the scrotum)
• Your brother or dad has had testicular cancer
• You’ve had the disease before
• You have or had a condition called hypospadias where the hole that pee and sperm comes out of (urethra) is not at the tip of your penis
• You have HIV or AIDS
• You are from a white British background

Scientists have also found a potential link between testicular cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.

Chris presents Capital Breakfast alongside Jordan North and Sian Welby.

He is also one of the hosts of the That Peter Crouch Podcast.

THE explosion of a distant star light years away could be visible to Earthbound stargazers this week.

The star system, tucked away in the constellation Corona Borealis, explodes once every 80 years or so.

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Astronomers can only offer dates with a precision or a week or two[/caption]

The last time the star exploded was in 1946, then in 1866 and 1787 respectively.

Now scientists at the American Astronomical Society believe it could erupt again on 27 March.

It could glow as bright as Polaris, the North Star.

The star, dubbed T Crb, is a rare cosmic beast known as a recurrent nova.

This is a star system that has repeated nova-like outbursts.

Astronomers detected fluctuations in the star’s light in March 2023, which mimicked those recorded before the 1946 blast.

According to the paper, if the star doesn’t burst this week, then it could happen on 10 November, June 2026, or February 2027.

“Since the last three eruptions eruptions were not exactly periodic… one can presently not predict exactly the date of the next eruption,” astronomers wrote.

Instead, astronomers can only offer dates with a precision or a week or two.

How to view the Corona Borealis explosion

You’ll want to look to the Corona Borealis constellation, which can be found in the eastern sky.

The collection of stars look like a small semicircle in the sky, near the constellations Boötes. 

Boötes can be found by locating the Plough – or Big Dipper – star pattern in the sky.

Simply follow the ‘handle’ of the Plough / Big Dipper to the bright star Arcturus. 

To the left of and below Boötes, you’ll see Corona Borealis.

Here is when the star explosion is due to take place.

With astronomers struggling to find an exact date for the star explosion, it’s even less likely they’ll offer an exact time.

However, it’s advised hopeful stargazers head outside about three hours after sunset.

 

AN ICONIC stadium where England have a horror record is set to be demolished.

Australia’s The Gabba cricket ground has hosted matches since 1895.

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Queensland Government

A new 60,000-seater stadium built for the 2032 could eventually replace it[/caption]

But the historic venue is set to be knocked down in 2032, with the action in Brisbane moving to a state-of-the-art 60,000-seater stadium being built in the Victoria Park area of the city.

There were plans to modernise The Gabba but they were scrapped due to cost concerns.

England will be relieved to see the back of the arena as they have nightmare memories there.

At the venue, England have lost seven of their last nine games, including a shocking nine-wicket defeat in 2021.

The 42,000-seater stadium has hosted 67 men’s Tests over the years and it was often used for The Ashes opener.

But for the 2025/26 event between England and Australia, it will be the stadium for the second Test from December 4 to 8.

Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032 and chiefs would like to see The Gabba say farewell by hosting the gold medal matches.

Cricket will be reintroduced to the Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

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Queensland politician David Crisafulli said: “Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong.

“The Gabba is at its end of life. It hasn’t been well maintained, and we do need a stadium to host this great show and there is an opportunity for legacy play.”

Housing will be built on the site once it has been demolished.

A FED-UP homeowner is at their wit’s end after a three-year battle over a shared driveway.

The family, who have complex medical needs, have claimed their “nightmare neighbours” constantly block in their car.

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The anonymous motorist said the argument over their shared driveway has been going on for years[/caption]

Taking to Reddit, the user said that due to their health conditions they need to have 24hr access to their cars.

“My neighbour of over 3 years now keeps blocking the shared driveway in different ways,” they explained.

“When we first moved we went to their door and introduced ourselves and how the shared driveway that leads to our backyard would need to have 24-hour access as we have multiple cars and family members with medical conditions that could mean 1am hospital trips at any time.”

However, they said that despite knowing this information, their neighbours still block the drive.

“It doesn’t have to be in that exact spot and can be moved back, so clearly a lack of respect or consideration,” they continued.

They said that there has been major arguments over the driveway, which has resulted in the other family “yelling” in response.

They have resorted to documenting the dispute by taking photos of their car being blocked in.

Exhausted by the constant battle, they have asked for advice on what their rights are and how to deal with the matter.

Other Reddit users shared similar stories of their own experiences with shared driveways.

This comes after a driver claimed their neighbour always parks in the middle of their shared driveway.

The anonymous motorist took to social media to vent his frustration – saying that their neighbour doesn’t even drive his car that often, so it’s always blocking the way.

Reddit user @u/InsertStephenHere claims that they live in a student apartment and share the driveway with their neighbours.

The motorist said on the post: “You can normally fit four cars in a single driveway, but my neighbour parks with so much extra space in front that it prevents someone from parking behind him.”

They also uploaded a picture to the forum that shows their neighbour’s car parked in the middle of the driveway to demonstrate that there’s not enough space for them to park.

Most commenters have advised the poster to speak with his neighbour to solve this situation instead of complaining about him on social media.

One said: “Instead of b****ing on Reddit, ask him to move it forward.”

Another said: “I’d get him towed.”

A third pointed out: “You can tell this is the most adversity they’ve faced this far in their life.

“Afraid to introduce themselves to a neighbour that would probably move their car if needed.”

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They have been documenting the issues but are unsure how to deal with the problem[/caption]

Dark Deity 2 is a turn-based tactical RPG game developed by Sword & Axe LLC. Watch the official launch trailer here.

A Bridgerton star’s upcoming survival thriller has had its release date pushed back one year by Sony Pictures, amid domestic schedule reshuffle.

SEVERAL other airlines have introduced a strict ban on power banks being used on flights, following a number of onboard fires.

Hong Kong‘s aviation regulator (the Civil Aviation Department Hong Kong) is stopping passengers from using the travel gadget during flights.

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Hong Kong’s aviation regulator is stopping passengers from using power banks onboard its local airlines like Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific[/caption]

Under the new rule, passengers will not be allowed to store power banks in overhead lockers.

Instead, power banks will need to be stored underneath a traveller’s seat or in the seat pocket in front of them.

The new measure will come into force on April 7, impacting local airlines like Cathay Pacific, HK Express (a low-cost subsidiary of Cathay Pacific) and Hong Kong Airlines.

Brits will be affected by the new ban because Cathay Pacific operates routes from the UK.

The Hong Kong flag carrier issued the following statement: “We recognise the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety and support measures to reduce risks associated with the use of lithium battery-powered devices. Cathay will fully comply with the regulations.”

It comes after a Hong Kong Airlines flight, which was on its way to Hong Kong, was forced to make an emergency landing after a fire broke out in one of the overhead bins.

Passengers suspect a power bank was behind the cause of the blaze, according to local media.

The Civil Aviation Department Hong Kong issued the following statement: “Passengers are advised to check with relevant airlines on the latest regulations before their flight.”

Hong Kong isn’t the only Civil Aviation Authority to ban power banks on its flights, with Thailand also introducing similar rules earlier this year.

Passengers on Thai Airways and AirAsia will not be able to use their power banks onboard flights from March 15.

Just like the ban in Hong Kong, the devices can still be taken into the cabin but they must not be used.

Earlier this year, Air Busan became the first airline in the world to ban passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage.

The ban came after a power bank caught fire on an Air Busan flight on January 28.

All passengers were safely evacuated.

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Scoot, a low-cost airline in Singapore, is also banning power banks on its flights[/caption]

However, the plane was decommissioned following the incident because of the extent of the damage.

Since then, other airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot and China Airlines have also prohibited the use of power banks onboard flights.

Last month, Eva Air confirmed that while power banks could be taken into the cabin, they were not allowed to be used during the flight.

Airlines in the UK are yet to follow suit, with passengers still allowed to use power banks in the cabins.

Most long-haul airlines have charging ports built into the seats, with passengers encouraged to use them instead.

Here are some other power bank rules you need to know about when packing them in your luggage.

And here are the nine bizarre items that are banned from hand luggage, including protein powder and hair dye.

Not known, clear with picture desk

Hong Kong’s de-facto flag carrier, Cathay Pacific, which operates routes from the UK, will also adhere to the ban[/caption]

A BBC STAR was on the verge of ‘fainting’ after a tribesman tried to push his entire penis inside his body.

The fan-favourite documentary maker has recalled the intense experience as his hit show is rebooted.

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The Tribe star was forced to stop half way after he almost fainted[/caption]

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The documentary maker returns to screens this month with a brand new series[/caption]

Bruce Parry is going back into the wild for a new series of Tribe, which airs this month.

But in a first for his television and exploration career, he’s told how a tribesman attempted to invert his penis.

It was the first time ever in Bruce’s career where he said ‘no’ and drew the line.

Speaking to Metro, he explained: “The first time I said no in my whole TV career was when my dear friend in New Guinea tried to push my penis back inside my body and he got halfway.

“But then I nearly fainted and said, “No more’.”

In the new series of Tribe, Bruce will say no for the second time in his career, when he prevents another tribesman from knocking his teeth out.

Bruce revealed he was even offered dental work: “I didn’t feel it would necessarily take the story to the next level, from my perspective anyway.”

Meanwhile, Bruce will suffocate a goat with his bare hands in shock scenes during the new series of Tribe.

The 56-year-old finds himself in the deep end quite quickly, with episode two seeing him meet an indigenous tribe called The Mucubal in Angola.

The star is gifted a goat by one of the tribe’s leaders as a welcome, and a perplexed Bruce asks what he should do with it.

He’s told he must kill it then and there, and Bruce looks horrified.

Two men will hold down the distressed goat as Bruce places his hands around the goat’s mouth and nostrils to suffocate it.

WHEN Taylor Roys began experiencing symptoms such as a cough and sweating, she considered a number of potential causes.

But she never expected the diagnosis that would come, and aged just 32, she says she’s ‘watching her life slip away’.

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Taylor Roys, 32, got a shock diagnosis – she thought her symptoms were because she was ‘lazy, old and out of shape’[/caption]

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She says she’s now watching the life she dreamed of ‘slipping away’[/caption]

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Taylor had a cough, which she also blamed on vaping[/caption]

“The kind of devastation you hear about but never think will happen to you.”

Reeling from shock, Taylor tried to rebuild.

But with everything going on, she brushed off symptoms unil three months after the fire, she received more shattering news. 

She had cancer – stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancer develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread around the body.

“It’s in my blood, my bones, and my lungs,” Taylor says. 

“I thought losing my home was the worst thing that could happen to me. Then cancer came along.”

Taylor says she brushed off a number of subtle symptoms as being “lazy, old or out of shape”.

“I thought I had insomnia because I just couldn’t sleep,” she says. “I’d wake up drenched in sweat, but I assumed it was just stress.

I had a persistent cough that I blamed on vaping.

“I was always overheating, constantly hot, and I figured I was just out of shape.

“I withdrew from people, had no energy to go out. I thought I was just becoming an introvert.

“Another big symptom was itchy skin but I thought it was allergies or eczema.”

She then began to develop pain throughout her body – but again put it down to getting older.

“I was tripping over my feet, running into things. I thought I was just clumsy. I lost my appetite, dropped weight fast, but I blamed it on the stress of losing my house.”

Finally in August 2024, a lump appeared on Taylor’s neck, which was what pushed her to see a doctor.

A biopsy was carried out and Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed – it was a punch to the gut.

If my story helps even one person recognise the warning signs earlier, then at least something good can come from this.

Taylor

Even clues in blood tests were overlooked prior, Taylor says. 

“Low iron, high platelets, elevated CRP levels,” Taylor says. 

“The doctors weren’t overly concerned, so neither was I.”

The diagnosis has shattered Taylor’s hopes for the future, including starting a family.

“All I wanted was to be the best version of myself,” she explains. “I focused on becoming someone I could be proud of.

“I worked so hard to become independent, to build a life I was proud of.

“Now I feel like I’m watching it all slip away.

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Taylor says: “I was always overheating, constantly hot, and I figured I was just out of shape”[/caption]

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Doctors did a biopsy when Taylor found a lump in her neck. That’s when she was told she had Hodgkin lymphoma[/caption]

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She is now having a strong form of chemotherapy which makes life difficult[/caption]

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Her diagnosis came only three months after her house caught on fire in July 2024[/caption]

“This isn’t how I saw my life turning out. I had so many plans, so many dreams, and now I’m just trying to make it through each day. And it’s getting harder.”

Taylor is receiving BrECADD, the strongest chemotherapy available for her cancer and one which only completed trials last year.

“The severe pain, nausea, exhaustion – it never ends,” she says. “The side effects have been brutal, landing me in the hospital multiple times.

“At my worst, I lost the ability to speak, walk, or even take care of myself. Recovery is slow, but I’m seeing small improvements.”

She says that she is at breaking points – physically, mentally, and financially.

“I hate asking for help,” she admits. “I’ve always tried to handle things on my own. But sometimes, no matter how strong we try to be, we can’t do it alone.”

Desperate to continue her fight, Taylor has set up a GoFundMe campaign to get financial support.

“So here I am. Vulnerable. Hopeful. And asking, with everything in me, for support,” she says. “If you can, please help me keep fighting.”

Taylor is also sharing her journey on TikTok, where she gives raw, unfiltered updates on her condition.

“Cancer takes so much from you, but I won’t let it take my voice,” she says.

“If my story helps even one person recognise the warning signs earlier, then at least something good can come from this.

“I don’t know what the future holds. But I do know I’m not giving up without a fight.”

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Taylor is receiving BrECADD, the strongest chemotherapy available for her cancer and one which only completed trials last year[/caption]

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Taylor said: “If you can, please help me keep fighting”[/caption]