Security staff at Gatwick Airport to strike at business period of the year

In a dispute over pay Gatwick Airport security staff are set to stage a two day strike on 10 August from 6am which will “cause travel disruption” the union Unite said.

The union said most of the 130 staff who scan passenger’s luggage and are employed by ICTS are paid less than £9 per hour.

Jamie Major, Unite regional officer said, “It is high time the airport got its priorities right and starts investing in its hard-working staff, instead of paying millions to its shareholders.”

Coby Benson, of compensation law firm Bott & Co said the strike are to fall “in the midst of peak holiday season in a busy month for air travel in general.”

British travel group goes into administration affecting 50,000 travellers

Two package holiday firms have collapsed, affecting more than 50,000 travellers.

Malvern Group, which incorporates Manchester-based Late Rooms and York-based Superbreak Mini Holidays, known as Super Break, has ceased trading.

The group said Super Break hotel-only holidays would be cancelled and people currently on holiday might have to pay again.

It said it “anticipated” bookings through Late Rooms would be secure.

Malvern Group said those on package holidays would be protected by the travel association Abta.

But vouchers and tickets for entertainment, attractions or the Incredible North Iceland Charter were no longer valid, it said.

Late Rooms, acting as an agent, had not taken money for bookings, which would be payable to the accommodation supplier direct, the company said.

‘Vast majority’ covered

Malvern said its contact centre had closed and it intended to appoint administrators on Friday.

It advised customers to contact Abta, their travel agent or their credit card provider for further help.

Abta has issued advice for customers of Super Break, but said it did not cover Late Rooms.

In a statement, it said the “vast majority” of Super Break holidaymakers’ arrangements would be covered through Abta, Atol or their credit card companies.

“These customers will either be entitled to a refund or, if they’ve booked through another travel company, they should contact them to discuss options which may include continuing with their booking, re-booking or alternative arrangements,” it said.

Super Break has about 250 employees and had approximately 20,000 bookings, involving about 53,000 people.

About 400 customers are currently on holiday.

Abta suggested rail, coach or Eurostar tickets might be valid for travel. Rail company LNER said it would honour all existing tickets.

How travel rewards cards can benefit your business

Anyone that runs a business will know that there are various different forms of finance available to help with funding.

This includes finance such as business loans, personal loans, business line of credit, and credit cards. When it comes to the latter, there are various different types of credit card to choose from so you need to ensure you find the one that is best suited to your business needs.

Many business owners tend to travel a lot as part of their work and if this is the case with your business you may find that travel rewards card could be ideally suited to your needs. There are various different options available so you should have no problem finding the best travel credit cards for your business.

Choosing the right card

Making sure that you look at a number of key points can help you to make the right decision when it comes to these travel credit cards. Some of the key areas to look at include:

• The type of rewards offered: You can get different types of rewards with these credit cards, which means that you can find the one that is ideally suited to your needs. This includes rewards such as air miles, travel discounts, and loyalty points toward accommodation and other travel related products or services. Find the one that is best suited to your needs.

• The level of rewards: Different cards can come with different rewards levels so make sure you check this as well. For instance, some pay offer 1 point per dollar spent on the card while others offer two. Some may also offer a number of bonus points or miles when you first open your account and start using the card, which can help to bump up the balance.

• The rate of interest charged: Interest rates on credit cards can vary and whenever you have a rewards based card such as this you should aim to pay the balance in full within the interest free period so that you do not get charged any interest. However, it may be worth checking the rate of interest charged just in case there are occasions where you are unable to repay the balance in full within that period.

• Any additional fees: You may find that some travel cards come with additional fees such as annual fees. This is something else that you should check before you make your decision, as these fees can be quite hefty in some cases.

We’ve all seen reports on msnbc about the importance of choosing the right form of finance for your business. This is because it can make a big difference in terms of repayments and benefits.

By taking the time to look for the best business credit cards, you can enjoy a range of travel rewards that are ideal for your business travel needs. You can then enjoy reducing the cost of your business travel and enjoying the convenience of a business credit card.

Common issues men in their 40s face when they travel

As people enter their 40s, they may still feel like a twenty-something on the inside, but their bodies begin to give some not-so-subtle reminders of reality.

Men in their big four O’s often have to adjust their lifestyles and habits to accommodate these changes. When it comes to travelling, however, maintaining your adopted lifestyle habits becomes a whole other ball game.

There are, however, a particular set of problems that older men usually face when they travel. If these can be addressed appropriately, then their travel experiences and their health can be significantly improved.

Here are some common issues men in their 40s face when they travel.

Lack of sleep

Travelling thoroughly messes up anyone’s sleep cycle, but younger people recover from this much quicker than men that have crossed the 40-year mark.

When one is younger, sleep comes easier and is deeper. Older people tend to have lighter sleep within shorter periods. Barely getting enough sleep as it is, when older men spend long hours travelling on aeroplanes or trains attempting to catch some shut-eye to no avail, they can end up tremendously sleep deprived during and after travel.

Sleep deprivation affects cognitive performance, memory, energy levels, reaction times, emotions and can leave one feeling quite under the weather.

Scheduling travel itineraries to allow for sufficient sleep and recovery can do wonders for allowing you to not only be active throughout your trip but also makes it an immensely enjoyable experience.

Chronic fatigue

This occurs both in conjunction with and as a consequence of the lack of sleep. People in their 40s may experience fatigue as a normal part of their lives.

Chronic fatigue, however, is defined as a condition of constant tiredness and lack of energy, not associated with any illness, occurring for longer than 6 months.

It is imperative to preempt this and get sufficient rest and sleep before chronic fatigue sets in. Once it sets in after you pass 40, it can get progressively difficult for your energy levels to recover and revert to what they were previously.

Hair loss

Hair loss is quite common for men in their forties, but what many people don’t know is that this issue gets aggravated due to changes in climate, environment, water and diet. And these are the very conditions that your hair is subjected to as a result of travelling.

To avoid seeing strands of your hair clog up your hotel shower the next time you travel, hair loss treatments are the perfect solution.

There are two approved drugs to treat male baldness.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is available for topical application as a liquid or foam. This rub-in hair loss treatment works by increasing blood flow and stimulating hair regrowth. Not only does it help with regrowth, but it also helps to keep the strands that you already have.

Finasteride (Propecia) is a hair loss treatment widely available in pill form. The method of action of this drug involves lowering DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. It can slow hair loss as well as help hair regrow.

If you feel like your recent travels may have triggered accelerated hair loss or would like to inquire about hair loss treatments before going on a long trip, book an online consultation with the health experts at Click Pharmacy. Along with professional medical advice and online prescriptions, you can conveniently purchase the prescribed medicines from this registered online pharmacy.

Sun damage

Travelling usually entails long hours in the sun.

Even if you are not going to a very sunny place, skin damage from being out in moderate sunlight is still a risk.

Typically, it takes around 30 years for sun damage to show, which means that most of the effects of sun damage that occurred in your teens begin to manifest after you reach the 40s. Since wrinkles and sun spots are already making an appearance, the skin of men over 40 is usually more susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.

Older individuals with fairer skin tones are at most risk of developing skin cancers. Exposure to UV light and sunburns are some external contributors to malignant skin cancers.

There is also a high prevalence of cataracts among men above forty years of age. This is a condition that results in the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to a decrease in vision. Ageing itself is a contributing factor to cataracts, but exposure to UV rays in sunlight can further increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.

It is therefore imperative for those in the 40-plus age group to be stringent with the application of sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, as well as wearing sunglasses that filter out UV light whenever they are travelling.

Nutritional and dietary imbalances

Travel often disrupts the most carefully planned diets for people of all age groups.

For men in their 40s, specific dietary requirements and restrictions are essential for staying in optimal health.

After 40, your metabolism slows down considerably, making it extremely easy to pack on the pounds. Weight gain is a contributing factor to several age-related issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and even heart disease.

Lowering fatty and high cholesterol foods, as well as maintaining sufficient intake of the required nutrients are a few dietary considerations that need to be applied once you cross forty. But even the best of habits can be unsettled by the drastic change in routine incurred by travel.

Keeping a well-stocked inventory of your daily supplements, and being strict with what you eat and what you avoid, can do wonders for preventing any medical issues and unwanted weight gain.

According to NHS, It is highly advisable for those aged between 40 and 75 to get an NHS Health Check every five years. These routine health checks serve to measure the risk of developing diseases like heart disease, kidney disease and dementia, identify early signs of these and also offer advice on preventive measures that can be taken.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Transient working: it need not be stressful

Working patterns have changed and evolved throughout the years. Gone are the days of a typical 9-5 sit-down office job, and employees are favouring a more flexible working pattern.

Transient working has become more of the norm than it was ten years ago, with many embracing the opportunity to explore the world whilst working. In some industries, the need for co-location and remote working is a necessity. It can be overcome by a variety of technological advances, including collaborative and video technology. However, in other industries, a physical presence is required and a nomadic working style is essential.  For example, in the role of a Leisure Product Director. Within the travel industry, this role involves travelling to a variety of different hotels and resorts around the world to review and sign up new partners. Jacek Skrzypkowski, Leisure Product Director at the online travel agent, eSky, has spent 14 years visiting hundreds of hotels and resorts throughout his career. It is physically impossible for Jacek to do his job without transient working and staying away from home for weeks at a time. Jacek has collated his top tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance fortransient workers:

Time Planning

When you are away from home on business, it is easy to lose track of time and focus solely on work. Ensure that you take time away from your desk to interact with friends and family. Despite time differences, schedule regular conversations with someone back home. It is important to keep your daily routine as normal as possible despite the difference in the environment and to take a regular break from the office.

Diet

A common occurrence when on business trips is that your diet tends to suffer. Irregular working patterns, an abundance of fast-food restaurants and frequential business dinners are partially to blame. It is natural to indulge every once in a while, however, a bad diet does take a toll on the body after a while. Make sure to consider what you are eating and take care to be mindful of what too much junk food can do to your body.

Exercise

Although most hotels provide complimentary gym access, it is surprising just how little people use them. Exercise tends to take a back seat when you are away from home, with many business associates focussing more on work than their health and wellbeing. Even 15 minutes of exercise a day, whether in a gym or going for a run or a swim, can heavily improve your physique and overall wellbeing.

Sleep

Jet-lag is notoriously difficult to manage and even harder to recover from. Drinking a lot of water and keeping the body hydrated during a flight significantly helps with the symptoms of jet-lag. This can help you to fall asleep more naturally too. Do your best to adjust to the schedule of your destination and try to sleep at the time you would naturally at home. One of the best methods is to set your watch to the time of your destination as soon as you get onto the plane. This helps you to mentally adjust to the rhythm of the new country.

Ensure that digital housekeeping is in order

One of the many things to consider when abroad is your digital ecosystem. Although most laptops, mobile telephones and other devices will automatically adapt to a foreign country, some may have to be manually programmed. You must also ensure that your mobile is set up for travel – remember to add on any necessary data packages to your existing mobile phone contract. This not only saves money but allows for the best connection possible. Most countries will also use a different power adapter to what you are used to. Ensure that you bring an abundance of plug socket adapters and a small extension lead. This allows for multiple devices to be charged and used no matter how many sockets are in your room.

Culture and customs

Travelling for work is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons. Take time to explore the destination outside of the workplace, brush up on a foreign language and taste new foods.

Focus on productivity

Although you are away from the standard office scenario, working from a different environment must still be productive. Working remotely allows for more time with loved ones once you return home and therefore provides a clear divide between your work life and personal life.

Preparation

It is important to mitigate stressors before you even step foot in the airport. It is easy to forget to check your passport expiry date if you are away on a long trip, however, this can lead todisastrous consequences if it is not valid. Another crucial factor to investigate before the trip is whether or not a visa is required, the currency of the country and the type of travel insurance you require. You should also make sure to advise your bank of any likely foreign purchases that could be made on your card to avoid your account being frozen.

Pack smart

No matter how tedious it is, packing is an inevitable part of any business trip. Make sure to check the baggage allowance of your airline and always weigh your bag to avoid unexpected excess baggage costs. Pack the clothes that you will need immediately on the top of your case so they can be accessed easily and roll items to create extra space and reduce creasing. Take any business shirts and suits in carry-on luggage to avoid being ruined during transit.

Review your “life admin”

It is important to remain focussed when away on business and not be distracted by any “life admin” issues at home. Visit the bank before leaving to ensure that all direct debits are correctly set up and all bills will be paid on time. Anything that is difficult to manage away from home should be finalised and taken care of prior to taking off.

Jacek Skrzypkowski is the Leisure Product Director t eSky.

Holidaymakers face chaos as BA pilots vote in favour of strike action

British Airways pilots have voted strongly in favour of industrial action in a dispute with the airline over pay.

Ninety-three per cent of those balloted voted in favour of strike action, on a turnout of 90 per cent.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, said: “This strong result demonstrates the resolve of BA pilots, and shows BA that it must table a sensible improved offer if a strike is to be averted.

“Sadly three days of ACAS talks have not moved the company’s position one iota. Settlement of this dispute is in BA’s hands.

“We do not wish to inconvenience customers which is why we have tried to resolve this matter through negotiation starting last November – it is BA who has regrettably chosen to drag this out into the summer months.”

Balpa represents around 85 per cent of British Airways pilots.

High Court challenge

The union has not yet said when it plans to hold the strike action. This is because BA has tabled an immediate legal challenge.

The airline is seeking a High Court injunction over legal technicalities surrounding the ballot. The hearing will take place tomorrow morning.

British Airways said it has offered an 11.5 per cent pay rise over three years.

A spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed that Balpa, the pilots’ union, has chosen to threaten the travel plans of thousands of our customers, over the summer holidays, with possible strike action.

“We remain open to working with Balpa to reach an agreement, which we have been doing since December.

“We continue to pursue every avenue to find a solution to protect our customers’ travel plans and avoid industrial action and we urge Balpa to return to talks as soon as possible.”

A ‘summer of disruptions’

Balpa’s vote means BA pilots will join Heathrow and Gatwick airport staff in striking this summer.

Furthermore, Easyjet check-in staff have planned strikes, which will kick off on Thursday. Ryanair pilots will also vote in the coming weeks on whether to take industrial action in August.

Money.co.uk personal finance expert Salman Haqqi said: “Millions of Brits are facing a summer of disruptions, as a perfect storm of airport and airline strikes could leave their holiday plans in tatters.

“If airline staff strike and your flight to or from the UK is cancelled, thanks to EU regulations, you are entitled to: a full refund; or an alternative flight to your destination from a nearby airport, with the airline responsible for additional travel costs; or an alternative flight on a later date outside the strike period.

“However, this will be scant consolation for many holidaymakers, as the likelihood of being able to book onto an alternative flight during this peak period will be slim to non existent.”