'Sharp rise in complaints by short-term workers'

Two million workers in the UK fear for the future of their job, new research reveals. Citizens advice bureaux are being overloaded by people in short-term jobs worried about being exploited by their bosses. A significant proportion of those using the bureaux complain about the pub trade where many employees are not given official contracts or hours of work - The Guardian​

A Cornish pub has been repainted a bright shade of pink to highlight National Breast Cancer Awareness month. The makeover of The Rodney in Saltash was the idea of regular Trisha Grant, whose mother-in-law died from breast cancer 10 years ago. She said she originally suggested painting the pub as a joke. Volunteers carried out the temporary facelift with paint donated by a local company. The pub will stay pink until the end of the month - BBC News​

Alex Salmond is preparing to defy the Scottish Parliament and continue with his plans to raise the age for buying off-sales alcohol to 21 - despite its overwhelming rejection by MSPs last night. A spokesman for the First Minister said Mr Salmond still believed that raising the age limit was the right approach and the policy is expected to be included in legislation when it is brought before parliament, either later this year or early next - The Scotsman​

Thousands of jobs have been lost with the closure of 1,500 pubs since the turn of the decade, it has emerged. Two organisations representing publicans called time on rising taxes on alcohol in the upcoming Budget, warning politicians that it is no longer a reliable source of income. The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said consumption of alcohol is down by 7% so far this year, while more people are also opting to drink at home - The Press Association​

A pub in Cumbria has become the target of a sustained campaign of vandalism and intimidation. In the latest attack The Derby Arms in Great Urswick was sprayed with litres of engine oil, covering the walls and patio area. But landlords Stephen and Judith Davidson have vowed not to leave their home and business. Other recent attacks have included smashing the pubs windows, spraying graffiti the walls and pouring paint stripper on the family car - North West Evening Mail​