World largest four-day work week trial officially begins in UK

Jun 7 2022

Thousands of UK workers are now officially starting a four-day work week trial starting Monday 6th June 2022 in what is the largest test of its kind.

The pilot will last for six months and will involve 3,300 workers spanning across 70 companies. These range from financial services providers to local fish-and-chips restaurants.

Workers will still receive 100% of their pay during the program for only 80% of their usual week. However, the workers are to provide 100% of their productivity. Run by non-profits in association with university researchers, the trial is part of a worldwide trend pushing for the work style.

Many business owners said that the main goal of the four day work week is to improve mental health and well-being of employees. The pandemic was pivotal in reassessing how work is viewed for many businesses, and this trial can be part of a progressive change in the world.

Until now, Iceland had conducted the biggest pilot between 2015 and 2019 with 2,500 public sector workers involved. No drop in productivity was noted, but an increase in employee well-being was registered.

Malta, however, is still behind in terms of testing out this work style as Finance Minister Clyde Caruana had stated that the overall education and productivity of the Maltese must improve before this is taken on.

#MaltaDaily

Heavy traffic due to Mellieha bypass traffic accident

Jun 7 2022

As many people were heading to the many beaches in the Mellieha area to enjoy the public holiday of Sette Giugno, a traffic accident between a truck and a car caused major traffic jams.

It is unclear whether or not anyone was injured in the accident but officials are asking drivers to avoid the area due to the traffic congestion.

This is a developing story.

#MaltaDaily

Precautions taken to reduce firework factory dangers reveals Minister

Jun 7 2022

Two days after the explosion of a fireworks factory in Mosta, National Security Minister Byron Camilleri said that the precautions which were taken in the past few years led to less accidents and to reduce the dangers associated with the practice.

Camilleri was responding to a parliamentary question tabled in parliament, going on to say that he is glad to hear such practitioners say that accidents which involve injuries have reduced.

Camilleri said that the authorities, especially the Police Corps, Civil Protection Units and the Armed Forces of Malta, responded with immense efficacy to the explosion. Despite the danger, the officials were the first to arrive on the scene and made sure that everyone was safe.

A drone was used to surveil the area to check for any other potential hazards after the area was cleared of any persons who might have gotten injured. He also made reference to the dog which was rescued by the corps. The dog was tied to a metal pole and was subsequently rescued after the area was cleared.

Speaking to TVM News, pyrotechnic expert Servolo Delicata remarked how dangers related to fireworks increase when the summer period rolls around. Not commenting specifically on the incident in Mosta due to there still being an inquiry, he went on to discuss more general topics related to the practice.

He said that Maltese pyrotechnical experts have a license which is only achieved after courses and exams, with the license having to be renewed every 5 years through a similar course.

He highlighted that, to avoid accidents, focus needs to be put on winds, air temperatures and humidity. These three factors impact the chemicals used in fireworks. He also pointed out that in Malta there are around 36 fireworks factories, all filled with tonnes of explosive material which requires constant surveillance and care.

#MaltaDaily

Section of Marsascala promenade gives way – caution advised

Jun 7 2022

Pictures uploaded to Facebook by Marsascala locality mayor Mario Calleja show a chunk of a pavement on the promenade having collapsed.

Thankfully, no one was injured, with the incident occurring on Tuesday morning. Calleja appealed for public caution should they be walking in the vicinity.

Maintenance work is set to start very soon to fix the hazard as soon as possible. The section of the promenade was an elevated part which was purpose built to allow rainfall to reach the sea.

#MaltaDaily