Hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK are striking today, in what's been described as the 'biggest' day of strike action in more than a decade.
Teachers, train drivers, and civil servants are among those walking out in the ongoing battle for better pay.
Around 85% of schools in England and Wales are believed to be fully or partially closed today due to the teacher strikes.
As many as 300,000 teachers, who are members of the National Education Union (NEU), are staging walkouts today, with around 23,000 schools in the two nations set to be affected.
Parents, carers, and guardians of school-aged children facing varying levels of disruption as a result.
Teachers are striking for a pay rise to be above inflation, and are asking for the UK government to fund the pay rise, instead of it coming from existing school budgets.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has previously called the teachers strikes "deeply disappointing", and claimed that the government has met teaching unions' requests for an extra £2 billion in school funding in England.
But these comments have been widely criticised by opposition, and deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has even accused the government of deliberately stoking the conflict.
Teachers taking part in picket lines across the UK on today's day of industrial action / Credit: NEU (via Twitter)
Aside from the teacher strikes, industrial action is also taking place in several other sectors.
Today is the first of two days of strike action by train drivers from the ASLEF and RMT unions in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions, while university lecturers and bus drivers are also staging walk-outs today too.
Civil servants are also staging walk-outs today, with around 123 government departments prepared to be disrupted by industrial action.
Overall, it's estimated that about 500,000 workers from all the different sectors mentioned are taking part in walkouts today, according to the Trades Union Congress, which would officially make it the "biggest" day of strike action in more than a decade.
The government has conceded in a statement addressing the mass strike action that today will be "very difficult" for the public.
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Ne-Yo and Akon announce huge joint arena show at Leeds’ First Direct Arena
Two R&B greats are heading out on a joint headline tour for the very first time, as Ne-Yo and Akon announced the Nights Like This global tour.
Both artists are Grammy Award winners, and each has a formidable back catalogue of chart-topping hits.
For Ne-Yo, that includes songs like Miss Independent, So Sick, and Closer; while for Akon, he's responsible for huge tracks like Smack That, Lonelty, and Right Now (Na Na Na).
Between them, they've shaped and defined radio, nightlife, and pop culture for decades.
This newly-announced tour will see the pair performing on the same stage - for Leeds, that's the First Direct Bank Arena.
They'll perform in a unique back-and-forth set throughout the show, visiting venues right across the UK and Europe, as well as heading across to the USA and Canada.
The nostalgic gigs will feature everything from slow jams to club anthems, with a party atmosphere throughout.
Ne-Yo and Akon will perform at the First Direct Bank Arena on Thursday 30 April 2026, with tickets on sale this Friday 30 January at 10am.
There will be an artist pre-sale on Wednesday 28 January at 10am.
Nights Like This EU/UK 2026 tour dates
Fri 24 Apr – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Mon 27 Apr – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena Newcastle
Tue 28 Apr – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Thu 30 Apr – Leeds, UK – First Direct Bank Arena
Fri 1 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Mon 4 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham
A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.
Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.
And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.
Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.
Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.
Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!
"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!
"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"
At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.
We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2023 
