More days off work for St Helens workers

This month, new regulations to boost the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 days a year to 24 days come into force. The new legislation will benefit up to 3.5 million women and 2.5 million men, including part-time workers, who will gain extra holidays on a pro-rata basis.


Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Labour's Employment Relations Minister said:

This extra time off will make a real difference in the lives of hard-working people - a proper rest from work and more time to spend with their families and friends.

Businesses will benefit too - from reduced absenteeism and a workforce who are more motivated and productive.

New age limit on buying cigarettes

As of 1 October 2007, the legal age for purchasing tobacco has risen from 16 to 18. Dave Watts is urging people to help retailers implement this positive change for the health of our children.

The St Helens North MP said:

From October 1 retailers are only be allowed to sell tobacco products to those over 18 years of age and I wish to stress the importance of raising awareness of this age change in order to avoid any confrontation and problems between retailers and young adults.

The local community and general public must support their local retailers in implementing this change in order to crack down on not only under-age drinking but smoking from an early age and I would advise young people to carry proof of age if they wish to purchase any tobacco products after October 1.