Bundlezy My WordPress Blog

DO you believe the only way is up – and that you can land a better job than your parents? 

Today is Social Mobility Day and a chance to chase that dream. 

Supplied

It highlights the companies and charities helping working-class people to climb the career ladder and build life opportunities. 

But with a challenging economic climate and AI taking over many entry-level professional roles, times are tough. 

Last year the Institute for Fiscal Studies said social mobility at work was its worst for 50 years, while a report from think tank Demos and the Co-Op found this is setting back economic growth by  £19billion a year — and so reducing tax revenue too. 

Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-op, said: “This is an important moment in the UK’s productivity debate and puts social mobility at the heart of that discussion. The benefits are too great an economic prospect to ignore.” 

With many organisations cutting back on diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives, championing talent from less advantaged backgrounds has never been more vital. 

Consultants McKinsey suggest organisations that are more socio-economically diverse can outperform rivals by as much as 36 per cent — so it makes sound business sense too. 

Tunde Banjoko OBE, from the charity Making The Leap, which organises Social Mobility Day, is ­urging firms to “shift mindsets” and look at the benefits of a more varied workforce. 

Career fairs 

He says: “Social mobility is about investing in a breadth of perspectives and skills, giving firms an edge and empowering individuals from less advantaged backgrounds to overcome im­poster syndrome.” 

Here are Making The Leap’s tips to rocket-launch your upwardly mobile career . . .  

1. YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH 

1. YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH: Start expanding yours. Go to career fairs, your local Jobcentre Plus or skills organisations such as ­Making The Leap.

Also tap into family and friends if they can provide help and advice — or perhaps know who might be able to. 

2. IF YOU DON’T HAVE EXPERIENCE, GET IT: Reach out to volunteer organisations, as well as charity shops and volunteer websites. 

3. UPSKILL YOURSELF: Practise public-speaking and presenting — even just reading things out to your family can help to build confidence. 

4. DON’T WAIT, DO IT: Want to get into marketing or content    creation? Set up a TikTok profile. Want to do make-up? Start doing make-up now. 

5. THE ‘STAR’ METHOD: If working on a job application or preparing for an interview, always think: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Also give examples that are not just work-related — and know your CV like the back of your hand. 

6. GET RID OF ANY SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS: You are worthy — and deserve to be in the room. 

HELPING OUT CAN HELP YOU 

IT’S National Volunteering Week and an opportunity to champion a good cause while also boosting your career. 

More than three in five firms offer staff ways to help in the community but last year over 140million hours’ worth of placements were unfilled, says the Royal Voluntary Service. 

Supplied

Dr Sam Parrett says volunteering in further education can help boost your career chances[/caption]

DR SAM PARRETT is founder of goodformegoodforfe.co.uk, a site encouraging volunteering in further-education colleges. 

Here she tells why volunteering can boost your job prospects . . .  

1. IMPROVE YOUR CV: Volunteering shows employers you are proactive and committed. It can give you experience of the workplace and make your CV stand out, especially if you are starting out in employment or wanting to change careers 

2. BUILD SKILLS: It develops communication and team-work, valued by all employers. Even just supporting a neighbour or helping at your child’s school is valuable. 

3. GROW YOUR CONFIDENCE: Trying something new and being part of a team can boost self-esteem. This will help prepare you for interviews and networking in future. 

4. MAKE CONNECTIONS: You will meet people of all ages and walks of life, which can open doors to both training and jobs. 

5. SHOW WHAT YOU STAND FOR: Employers want people with purpose, and volunteers tick that box. 

6. BOOST MENTAL HEALTH: Helping others can leave you feeling less stressed, and happier about life. 

---

JOB SPOT 

PETROL station operator BP RETAIL has jobs on offer nationwide, including for assistant store managers and customer service assistants. See bpretailjobs.co.uk. 

---

JOBS FOR THE TOTS 

A NURSERY childcare chain is offering work experience to TODDLERS – after a new report revealed the qualities employers value most such as trust­worthiness, adaptability and teamwork, can be learnt from the very early years. 

The Your Co-op Little Pioneers programme sees little ones help with caring for animals at Hoo Zoo in Telford, Shrops, and with welcoming visitors to Warwick Castle. 

Bethany Patrick from Your Co-op Little Pioneers says: “Early-years education is so much more than just childcare. 

“Research shows the importance of skills developed during those formative years, including empathy, communi­ca­tion and teamwork, for ensuring the strongest start in life.” 

---

JOB SPOT 

GAMING chain GAME is recruiting for sales assistants, including casual staff, plus buyers. Search at frasers.group/careers/jobs. 

---

HAPPY GO CLUCKY 

FRIED chicken is the UK’s ­fastest growing food market, worth £31.billion a year – and KFC is creating 7,000 new jobs, with major new investment in restaurants and suppliers. 

They are looking for kitchen workers, restaurant managers, and front-of-house staff to improve customer experience. 

Chris Ratcliffe / Parsons Media Picture Agency

KFC is creating 7,000 new jobs, with major new investment in restaurants and suppliers[/caption]

All new starters will benefit from training and development opportunities to support fast career progression. 

Rob Swain, head of KFC UK & Ireland, said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for 60 years but have never seen such strong demand as there is today.

“That’s why we’re doubling down with major investment.” 

For more information, and to apply, see kfc.co.uk/careers. 

PINRANG,PAREPOS.CO.ID– Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq, dan Shadaqah Muhammadiyah (Lazismu) Pinrang kembali menjadi pilihan masyarakat Kabupaten...

Source

Hooters filed for bankruptcy in March.

The Friday letters page is surprised the Sony State of Play didn’t go down better with more people, as readers share images of the Switch 2 midnight launches.

Goddess of Victory: Nikke’s collab with the San Diego Padres will feature Twitch streamer Emiru throwing the first pitch at the game.

SPORTS DIRECT shoppers are being tricked into thinking they are getting a bargain by misleading pricing, according to consumer campaigners.

Which? accused the High Street giant of using “dodgy” Recommended Retail Prices (RRPs) to make discounts seem better than they really are to boost sales.

Getty

Sports Direct has been accused of misleading pricing[/caption]

The chain could be breaking the law, says Which? and has reported the business to regulators.

An item’s RRP should reflect the price at which shops usually sell a product for, according to the Advertising Standards Authority.

This is so customers can easily work out how much of a saving they are making when buying at a knockdown price.

Investigators at the consumer rights group checked the pricing of 160 popular products on SportsDirect.com.

And said it was unable to find 58 of the 160 products on sale anywhere for Sports Direct’s claimed RRP – or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) – raising questions over whether those prices were genuine.

The items included a green Jack Wills Hunston graphic logo hoodie on sale with Sports Direct for £24 with an MSRP of £54.99.

Researchers could only find it on sale for £40 on Amazon and for £24 elsewhere, with no-one apparently selling it for £54.99.

And a pair of Slazenger men’s drive tennis shoes were being sold by SportsDirect for £32.99, nearly half the MSRP of £64.99.

Which? found the trainers for sale on eight other websites – all run by SportsDirect’s parent company – for either £32.99 or £33.

Only one retailer, Slazenger itself, sold them at the RRP but that price is supposed to represent what retailers generally sell a product for.

At the same time, a Whitaker Somerford long sleeve baselayer was on sale for £8 with an RRP of £35.

Which? could only find it listed elsewhere for £18 –a long way short of the supposed RRP.

The consumer champion reckons Sports Direct’s use of RRPs and MSRPs could be “misleading actions” under a 2008 Unfair Trading law to protect shoppers.

It has presented its findings to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Which? legal expert Lisa Webb said: “If Sports Direct is misleading customers by inappropriate use of RRPs to dupe them into thinking they are getting a good deal, then the competition regulator needs to step in and take strong action to stop this from happening.

“In the meantime, shoppers should take any big discounts at SportsDirect.com with a pinch of salt and make sure they compare prices with other retailers before parting with any hard earned cash.”

This is not the first time the chain has been accused of using misleading RRPs.

In 2015 Channel 4’s Dispatches said the firm was hiking RRPs to lead customers into believing they were getting a bargain.

Sports Direct’s owner, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, has a large portfolio of brands under its umbrella including Jack Wills, Slazenger, Everlast and Lonsdale. Frasers Group also owns various retailers such as USC, Studio, and Get the Label, which sometimes appear to be the only sellers of these particular brands, Which? added.

Sports Direct was founded by Mike Ashley, 60 – now the UK’s 52^nd richest man with a £3.12bn fortune – when he opened his first sports shop in Maidenhead in 1982 aged just 18.

The firm has been contacted for comment.

A Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) spokesperson said: “We’ll carefully consider the findings from Which?’s research.

“All businesses need to ensure that they comply with consumer law, which includes not misleading their customers over pricing.”

CO-OP is making a major change to its in-store services, and it’s good news for those who regularly shop online.

Shoppers who rely on Royal Mail to send and receive online orders will be able to use parcel lockers from this summer.

Alamy

Royal Mail and Co-op has teamed up to introduce parcel lockers at Co-op stores[/caption]

Royal Mail and Co-op plan to have lockers at 100 of the convenience chain’s stores.

It means people will be able to drop off pre-labelled Royal Mail parcels and returns 24/7.

Collection will also be available at the lockers soon, but Co-op hasn’t yet confirmed a timeline.

The lockers provide label printing, meaning customers simply need to pay for postage online and print the label by scanning a QR code at the locker, or request a QR code if they are returning a purchase.

Royal Mail’s prices start from £1.55 online for a small parcel that fits through the letterbox.

Co-op already partners with other parcel locker operators Amazon, InPost, Quadient and Yeep.

The move with Royal Mail takes the total number of parcel locker stores at Co-op to over 900.

Royal Mail first launched parcel lockers last spring.

In April this year, Sainsbury’s announced it’s started rolling out Royal Mail lockers in its stores.

Anna Malley, director of partnerships and acquisitions at Royal Mail, said: “We are focused on rolling out lockers in locations that are as convenient as possible for our customers, so Co-op’s model of providing a hub for community services at its stores is perfect.

“Our customers are sending more and more parcels, whether that’s returning online purchases or selling secondhand clothing on marketplaces, so it’s crucial that we give them a wide range of options to do so.”

How do Royal Mail lockers and prices compare?

InPost, which bills itself as Europe‘s leading locker provider, already operates services in and around Co-op shops.

Although Royal Mail remains one of the most cost-effective options for sending letters, with prices starting at just 87p, other couriers may offer cheaper rates when it comes to sending parcels.

For instance, sending small parcels up to 2kg with Royal Mail costs £3.35 for second-class delivery within the UK.

In comparison, InPost offers locker-to-locker delivery for the same parcel from as little as £1.99, or £2.89 if delivering directly to a home address.

Convenience often comes at a price, but by comparing firms, you could save more by going with the cheapest option.

Sainsbury’s and Co-op are not the first supermarkets to partner with a courier service to introduce lockers on their forecourts.

Aldi has already introduced InPost lockers at over 260 of its stores, following an initial trial at 22 locations across the country in December 2023.

This service has proven popular among online shoppers, particularly those using platforms like Vinted, as it offers a convenient way to collect items without waiting for a delivery driver.

Sellers can easily drop off their parcels in a locker by accessing it with a personalised QR code on their mobile phone.

The parcels are then collected by couriers and delivered to a local locker, which buyers can unlock using their own QR code.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

TEMPLEGATE takes on day one of the Derby Festival confident of bashing the Epsom bookies.

He’s delivered his full Oaks tip, 1-2-3 prediction and runner-by-runner guide for your viewing pleasure here.

Epsom Derby 2025 free bets: Best new sign up offers – HERE

And below he goes through all his picks and big-race verdicts for the epic seven-race card.

ELWATEEN (4.00 Epsom, nap)

She ran a mighty race when beaten just two lengths by Desert Flower in the 1,000 Guineas last time. It was a doubly good effort given it was just her second run and she was coming back from a nine-month break. She still looked pretty green but improved as the race went on and gives the impression she’ll relish this extra half-mile. She definitely looks overpriced.

GIAVELLOTTO (2.40 Epsom, nb)

He clocked a personal best when winning the Hong Kong Vase over this trip at tricky Sha Tin two runs ago. That built nicely on his Yorkshire Cup and Princess Of Wales’s victories last season. Being able to handle Sha Tin makes you think Epsom will be fine and he’s a genuine Group 1 performer over this trip on any ground.

MAXIMISED (2.05 Epsom, treble)

He tanked along when winning on debut at Haydock 15 days ago. He showed good pace over this trip and can improve. He’ll be hard to beat if handling this very different track.

Templegate’s Epsom verdicts

1.30

REBEL’S GAMBLE can be forgiven a blip at Ascot last time when the drop to 6f didn’t suit.

He was an impressive Listed winner on his last try at this trip and Karl Burke is in form.

Diego Ventura battled to score at Longchamp on the back of a good Newmarket comeback. He looks capable of better.

Hallasan was close to Rebel’s Gamble at Ascot and is another who will appreciate moving up to this trip. This slightly slower surface is another plus.

Formal looked rusty in the Fred Darling on debut for Andrew Balding in April and should do a lot better with that under her belt.

2.05

MAXIMIZED tanked along when winning on debut at Haydock 15 days ago.

He showed good pace over this trip and can improve. He’ll be hard to beat if handling this very different track.

Havana Hurricane was an impressive debut winner at undulating Goodwood so should be at home at Epsom.

That was over 5f but he’s bred for a bit further and can figure.

Logi Bear got off the mark on his first crack at this distance at Newmarket three weeks ago. He showed lots of pace and has more to come.

Norman’s Cay has had a break since his Brockelsby win but would be dangerous if building on that along with fellow Hannon runner Raakeb who will appreciate this trip.

2.40

GIAVELLOTTO clocked a personal best when winning the Hong Kong Vase over this trip at tricky Sha Tin two runs ago.

That built nicely on his Yorkshire Cup and Princess Of Wales’s victories last season.

Being able to handle Sha Tin makes you think Epsom will be fine and he’s a genuine Group 1 performer over this trip on any ground.

Calandagan is short with good reason after his close second in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan last time when not getting the breaks.

He’s a Group 2 winner over this trip but he’s looking for his first victory at the highest level.

Jan Breughel won the St Leger last season and didn’t enjoy dropping back to 1m2f for his comeback at The Curragh when only second.

He’ll prefer this trip but things may still happen a bit quick.

You Got To Me cost connections £4.8m despite finishing last in the Leger.

She won the Irish Oaks over this trip and was fourth at Epsom. She may just need this first run in nine months.

3.15

HAVE SECRET caught the eye when running on strongly into second at Ripon last time.

That was over a similar trip and built on a good effort at York.

He likes this trip and a repeat would take him very close.

The booking of Ryan Moore is a plus for Botanical who has been below par in a couple of Listed races this season.

Dropping back into a handicap gives him a place shout.

Mutaawid took a step forward when winning at Newmarket last time.

He was right at home on the rattling fast ground there and will be a threat if handling what are likely to be much slower conditions.

A 10lb rise in the weights makes things a bit tougher too.

Defiance was smart before going wrong at Royal Ascot last year and is worth a market check.

Ashariba ended last season with a battling win at Newmarket. He goes up in class here but looks the type to continue to improve this season.

Akecheta has bits and pieces of form in Ireland and has place claims if taking to this tricky track.

4.00

ELWATEEN ran a mighty race when beaten just two lengths by Desert Flower in the 1,000 Guineas last time.

It was a doubly good effort given it was just her second run and she was coming back from a nine-month break.

She still looked pretty green but improved as the race went on and gives the impression she’ll relish this extra half-mile. She definitely looks overpriced.

Desert Flower sets the standard after her impressive Guineas success.

She has scored on fast and slow ground and there are stayers in the family so there is every chance her stamina will hold at the business end.

Aidan O’Brien fires three darts and, on paper, Ryan Moore’s mount Minnie Hauk has a fair bit to find despite winning the Cheshire Oaks last time.

She is bred to stay and handling Chester usually bodes well for Epsom’s camber.

This is just her fourth run so there’s more to come.

Giselle didn’t have a lot to beat in the Lingfield Trial but she did it nicely and is another who should be fine with the track.

Wayne Lordan rides Whirl who took the Musidora nicely at York.

She should appreciate this longer trip and is another with an each-way shout.

Qilin Queen just got the better of Revoir in a Newbury Listed race 20 days ago.

There won’t be a lot between them again with the latter looking the best prospect over this longer distance.

4.35

TWO TEMPTING won this 12 months ago and tuned up for his defence with an impressive win at Chester last time.

We know this trip and track are ideal and he’ll give it another good go.

Flight Plan looks as good as ever when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup from the front last time.

Pacepushers can prosper at Epsom too and he’ll be competitive despite his hefty weight.

Mr Baloo ran a good race when third at Newmarket last month. He likes this trip and should be right there again.

Oisin Murphy takes over on Mirsky who got his head in front at Thirsk 20 days ago. He likes this trip and won’t be far away.

Ebt’s Girl is more than capable at this level and was just pipped in a decent contest at Newbury.

5.10

MISS INFORMATION looked a nice prospect when winning at Newmarket over this trip last time.

She showed good pace to leave her rivals behind and goes on any ground.

Andrew Balding’s filly scored here last season so there are no track worries.

Rhoscolyn has won this race twice, including last season. He caught the eye finishing well at Chester on Saturday and will be right there again.

Darkness was value for a bit further than a length when winning at Thirsk last time but wouldn’t want any more rain.

Local Hero is coming down the weights and is best over this distance so can’t be ignored.

Stanage may not have quite seen out the mile at York last time and could get closer back over this distance.

Templegate’s tips

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to the “kindest of souls”, 20, who was killed in a quad bike crash.

Ethan Powell tragically died after the horror unfolded on a stretch of road between Rhymney and Dowlais, in Merthyr Tydfil, on May 31.

WNS

Ethan Powell tragically died after the crash on May 31[/caption]

WNS

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the 20-year-old[/caption]

Officers were called to the incident at around 4.50am and pronounced the youngster dead at the scene.

Ethan’s devastated family have now paid tribute to their son.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, as a family, can confirm the passing of our much loved and cherished son Ethan,” they said in a statement shared by Gwent Police.

“Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life.

“He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room.

“He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day.

“Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him.

“We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday.

“It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family.”

“Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.”

It comes as police have arrested five people in connection with Ethan’s death.

A 43-year-old man, from Tredegar, and a 34-year-old man, from Pontypridd, were both arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

They remain in police custody.

A Merthyr man, 41, was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

He has been released on conditional bail as investigations continue.

However he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry.

Another Merthyr man, 40, was detained on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while unfit through drugs.

A second man, 37 and from Merthyr also, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

Both were released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector for Gwent Police, Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said on Tuesday: “We’re keen to speak to anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on Saturday morning, especially motorists with dashcam, as they could have details that might assist our enquiries.

“It is still our view that a second vehicle – a white BMW that was found burnt out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the collision. If you have any information about this car, then please get in touch.

A spokesperson for the force added: “Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to call 101, contact us via our website or send us a direct message on social media, quoting log reference 2500171434.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence.”

ARABELLA Chi had to pause posting about her new baby to hit back at trolls who sent her horrible messages about her post-baby body.

The 34-year-old gave birth to daughter Gigi Harper Henty on May 20, and has been showing her toned body in recent days.

instagram

Arabella Chi hits back at mum-shaming trolls[/caption]

instagram

She took to Instagram to defend her post partum body[/caption]

Instagram

Arabella welcomed daughter Gigi with boyfriend Billy Henty[/caption]

Instagram

Arabella said she worked hard during her pregnancy[/caption]

Arabella argued she was showing her “15 days post partum” so that others might be inspired to train during their pregnancy.

“Unfortunately I fell like I need to address this but after the story I put up yesterday… I have received some really really really nasty messages from people (as well as some lovely ones),” Arabella began in an Instagram story.

She posted the message in white text over a black background and explained she uses her “platform to share my life with my followers.”

“I showed you all how hard I trained throughout my pregnancy for not just my physical appearance but my mental state as training has always been a positive part of my life,” Arabella wrote.

“I was amazed that my body did bounce back as quickly as it did and I am proud of myself.”

The Love Island alum argued that she didn’t post her body pic “to be insensitive to people that might not ‘bounce back’ as quickly but to share I was proud that all that training I had done had paid off and to inspire other people that if you train safely throughout your pregnancy it does make a difference.”

Arabella concluded by writing: “Don’t get me wrong, post partum isn’t always glamorous, most days I’m covered in sick, milk, blood or poo. But it’s also nice to share the small wins on here.”

Her followup Instagram story showed Arabella cuddling up with Gigi, “after a very exciting shoot.”

Arabella revealed last month that she and boyfriend Billy Henty had welcomed a baby girl.

Alongside a photo of their new arrival, Arabella wrote: “Our worlds are complete.

“Gigi Harper Henty, 20/05/2025, 6.2 lbs.”

Arabella first shot to fame on series five of Love Island in 2019.

She returned to the show for the first series of the All Stars spin-off in 2024.

The Sun revealed Arabella and Billy’s relationship in September last year.

A month later the couple made their first red carpet appearance as they attended a film premiere in London.

Instagram/@arabellachi

Arabella rose to fame on Love Island[/caption]