Three quarters (74%) of Britons believe UK businesses have a responsibility to financially contribute to environmental initiatives, new research from 1% for the Planet, the global organization that mobilizes businesses to commit 1% of annual turnover to vetted environmental solutions, reveals.

The findings come after another summer of extreme weather in the UK. More than half (52%) of Britons say periods of very hot weather this summer have increased their sense of urgency around environmental action and climate change. That rises to 70% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials.

Even a relatively small contribution from businesses could translate into significant funding for environmental solutions. Just 1% of UK private sector turnover would represent approximately £55 billion each year.

And while 1% could unlock billions, the research suggests the public may expect businesses to go further. When asked how much of their annual revenue businesses should allocate to environmental solutions, the most popular specified response was 3–5% (22%), followed by 1–2% (20%).

Expectations are particularly high among younger generations, with 84% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials agreeing that UK businesses have a responsibility to financially contribute to environmental initiatives.

More than half (54%) believe large corporations and multinationals have the greatest obligation to financially support environmental protection, while 30% say all businesses should contribute the same percentage of turnover, regardless of their size.

When asked where business contributions should be directed, climate and decarbonisation (52%) and conservation and restoration (49%) emerged as the public’s leading priorities.

Yet as expectations of businesses increase, the research also reveals widespread scepticism about what companies say they are doing for the environment.

More than half (52%) of Britons say they do not trust the environmental and sustainability claims UK companies typically make in their marketing and advertising.

Independent verification makes a difference. 51% say they would be more likely to choose a company with independent third-party certification when deciding between two similar products or services. That figure rises substantially among younger consumers, to 73% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials.

Kate Williams, CEO at 1% for the Planet, said: “People are feeling a growing sense of urgency to take action for the environment, and they expect businesses to shoulder their share of the responsibility.

“But simply making another green promise isn’t enough. Businesses need to demonstrate that their contribution is real. That’s why independent verification matters, and why making a clear, accountable commitment can be so powerful.”

With tickets now on sale, the multi-award winning company is delivering another magical family experience packed with laughter, music, colourful costumes and plenty of surprises! A perfect way to extend the festive season and beat those January blues, the production promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza that will have both adults and children in stitches!

One of Wirral’s longest-running and most cherished theatrical traditions, The Chrysanths has been entertaining generations of families for more than a century. Now, fresh from another major award win and the success of January’s Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, the company is preparing to bring one of pantomime’s best-loved fairy tales to life on the New Brighton waterfront.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

BEST AMATEUR PANTO IN THE NORTH WEST!

The Chrysanths has plenty to celebrate after being crowned Best Amateur Panto in the North West 2025, adding another impressive accolade to its growing collection of awards. The company has also received recognition for Best Pantomime Direction, Best Dame, Best Villain and Best Choreography — highlighting the exceptional talent, creativity and dedication that go into its productions.

Despite being an amateur society, The Chrysanths consistently delivers performances of a remarkably high standard, with spectacular costumes, imaginative sets, fantastic choreography and a talented cast bringing the magic of pantomime to life. Following its 2026 production, NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association) summed up the company’s work perfectly: “This is pantomime at its very best; joyful, generous and brimming with heart.”

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

FEE, FI, FO, FUM… JACK AND THE BEANSTALK IS COMING!

Following the huge success of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood earlier this year, The Chrysanths is returning to the Floral Pavilion with its 108th production — Jack and the Beanstalk! Running from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th January 2027, this much-loved fairy tale is the perfect recipe for a classic family pantomime.

Audiences can look forward to a magical adventure inspired by the story of Jack, his extraordinary beanstalk and the fearsome giant who lives high above the clouds. Expect plenty of larger-than-life characters, hilarious comedy, catchy musical numbers, dazzling dancing and all the traditional pantomime fun that audiences know and love.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chrysanths production without plenty of audience participation, cheeky jokes for the grown-ups and laugh-out-loud moments for the children! The company’s January productions have become a firm fixture in the local calendar, providing a wonderful way to beat the post-Christmas blues and enjoy a fantastic family outing at one of the region’s most iconic theatres.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

OVER 100 YEARS OF PANTOMIME MAGIC!

What makes The Chrysanths particularly special is its extraordinary history. Founded in 1918, the Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society is believed to be one of the oldest pantomime societies in the UK — and possibly even the world! Its remarkable story began towards the end of the First World War, when a group of amateur performers staged an out-of-season pantomime in the garden of a house on Vaughan Road in New Brighton.

Over the decades, The Chrysanths has performed at numerous venues, including New Brighton Pier, The Tivoli and the Little Theatre in Birkenhead. The company has even been invited to perform at the famous Portmeirion village in North Wales. Today, its home is New Brighton’s magnificent Floral Pavilion, where generations of families return year after year to experience the magic. With Jack and the Beanstalk marking its 108th production, the society’s incredible legacy shows no signs of slowing down.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

LOCAL TALENT, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS!

One of the greatest strengths of The Chrysanths is its commitment to local talent. From the actors and dancers to the musicians and production team, the company is bursting with talented people from across Wirral. It’s very much a production by local people, for local people — and that community spirit shines through in every performance.

Many members have dedicated years to perfecting the unique traditions of pantomime, combining classic comedy and storytelling with fresh ideas and exciting new talent. As scriptwriter and co-producer Graham Leigh explains: “Pantomime is all we do. We don’t do musicals, we don’t do plays — pantomime is what we know.” That dedication has certainly paid off, with the society establishing itself as one of the region’s most respected amateur theatre companies.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR JANUARY 2027!

With another prestigious award under its belt and a fantastic new production on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to experience The Chrysanths! Jack and the Beanstalk promises all the ingredients of a brilliant family pantomime — magical storytelling, hilarious characters, stunning performances and plenty of audience participation.

Whether you’re a lifelong pantomime fan, looking for a fantastic family day out or searching for a memorable Christmas gift, this is one show you’ll want to put in your diary. With five performances across four days, there are plenty of opportunities to catch the magic — but booking early is recommended!

Jack And The Beanstalk by Chrysanths Panto / 7th–10th January 2027 / The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

For more info visit The Chrysanths Panto WEBSITE

Follow The Chrysanths Panto on FACEBOOK

The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge, situated on Victoria Road in the heart of New Brighton, has unveiled its exciting plans for November and December, with everything from Christmas dinners and festive cocktails to tribute acts, live music, party nights and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The popular venue is already seeing bookings coming in for Christmas meals, parties and group celebrations, with its combination of great food, fantastic entertainment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere proving a big attraction. Whether you’re planning a Christmas catch-up with friends, a festive family meal, a works Christmas do or simply fancy a great night out, The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge has something for everyone!

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

A festive feast to remember!

Food lovers are in for a treat this Christmas, with the venue launching a delicious festive menu available throughout December. The star of the show is the traditional Christmas dinner, priced at just £15.95, featuring turkey, honey roast ham or a festive meatless loaf, served with all the trimmings.

Diners can tuck into sprouts, mash, parsnips, roast potatoes, honey roast carrots, apple spiced cabbage, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and gravy – everything you’d expect from a proper Christmas feast! There’s plenty more to tempt the taste buds too, including a slow-roasted steak pie served with mash and tenderstem broccoli (£16.95), fish and chips with minted mushy peas (£16.95), wild mushroom and truffle tagliatelle (£15.95) and vegan lasagne (£14.95).

For those looking for something a little lighter, the starters include garlic mushrooms on French toast, hot honey halloumi, maple-glazed crispy belly pork and crispy Korean BBQ chicken bites. The festive baguette is another seasonal favourite, packed with turkey, honey roast ham and stuffing, complete with a gravy dipping pot for £10.95.

There’s also a tempting selection of pizzas, burgers and sides, including a festive burger with smoked bacon, brie and cranberry sauce. And, of course, no Christmas meal would be complete without something sweet! The dessert menu features Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, tiramisu, winter berry cheesecake and brownie or blondie with ice cream.

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

A packed programme of entertainment!

As well as serving up fantastic food, The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge is pulling out all the stops when it comes to entertainment. The festive programme kicks off on 12th November with a special Everton Night featuring Kevin Sheedy, giving football fans the chance to enjoy an evening celebrating the Blues. On 13th November, music lovers can enjoy a Fleetwood Mac tribute, bringing the sounds of the legendary band to New Brighton.

December promises even more excitement, starting with a Christmas Party Night on 4th December, featuring popular local singer Marc Kenny performing 90s classics, followed by DJ Jax keeping the party going. On 11th December, the venue will host Bubbles & Brushes from 6pm to 8pm, a fabulous evening of Christmas crafts and creativity. Tickets include a bottle of fizz or two cocktails, along with pastries, making it a lovely festive activity to enjoy with friends.

The entertainment continues on 12th December with a Jersey Boys tribute, bringing the unforgettable hits and harmonies of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to the venue. Then, on 18th December, it’s time to dust off those dancing shoes for the ABBA Experience! Expect a night of singalong classics and feel-good favourites as the timeless music of ABBA takes centre stage.

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations!

The festive fun doesn’t stop there! On Christmas Eve, Marc Kenny returns for a special live music performance, providing the perfect soundtrack to one of the most magical nights of the year. And when it’s time to wave goodbye to the year, DJ Jax will be taking over the decks for a New Year’s Eve celebration, promising a fantastic party atmosphere as New Brighton welcomes the new year.

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

The perfect place for Christmas parties and group bookings

The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge is also welcoming bookings for larger groups, making it an ideal choice for office Christmas parties, family gatherings, friendship groups and festive get-togethers. With its stylish surroundings, extensive food menu and lively entertainment calendar, the venue offers everything needed for a memorable celebration under one roof. With the hotel upstairs too, there are rooms for guests to stay after events!

And there’s good news for sports fans too! The hotel will continue showing all the live sport throughout the festive period, so visitors can enjoy the big games alongside great food, drinks and a buzzing atmosphere. The venue will be open every day throughout December apart from Christmas Day, giving locals and visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything it has to offer.

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

With bookings already coming in, anyone hoping to organise a Christmas meal, group party or festive night out is encouraged to get in touch early to secure their plans. From traditional turkey dinners and festive cocktails to live music, tribute nights and New Year’s Eve celebrations, The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge looks set to be one of the places to be this Christmas!

The New Brighton Hotel, Bar & Lounge Festive Season / 93 Victoria Road, New Brighton, CH45 2JB / 0151 638 3568

TO BOOK A TABLE OR EVENT CALL 0151 638 3568

For the menu and more check out The New Brighton Bar & Lounge WEBSITE and on FACEBOOK

The findings come at a time when UK small business outlook is in the balance – with only around one in four (26%) saying they are forecasting growth for the final three months of 2026, set against 23% of enterprises fearing they will either contract or struggle to survive the winter months. 

A mood of caution is evident among small businesses, with the percentage looking to invest in business growth by creating new jobs halving over the last four years, falling from 28% in 2022 to 15%. Looking to strengthen their businesses in 2027, only 8% of small business owners say they are considering overseas expansion, while just 5% are planning to hire young people they can train and develop.

The new poll of a representative sample of 1,382 small business owners by Novuna Business Finance suggests the widespread fears over next week’s Budget are a reflection of the fragile underlying confidence among UK small business owners, many of whom feel they would be unable to absorb any further increases in costs or taxes. 

Key findings:

·      Whilst nobody knows what will be announced in next week’s Budget, the Novuna Business Finance poll gives an indication of the announcements that might be most damaging to small business confidence. The possibility of further rises to employer’s National Insurance (53%), VAT (47%), income tax (46%) and corporation tax (44%) were cited by small business owners as the Budget announcements that would most negatively impact the growth outlook and finances of their business. There was also concern over the impact of changing tax thresholds (25%), rising capital gains tax (24%) and the introduction of a wealth tax (19%).

·      Changes to business rates were also a major worry for 36% of small businesses – particularly for more established enterprises that have been trading for more than 20 years (57%).

·      Fuel costs remain a significant concern for many businesses. Nationally, 37% of small business owners said further taxes on diesel and petrol vehicles would negatively impact the growth outlook and finance of their business.

·      Further increases to wages for lower-income earners (26%) and the possibility of new rules for employers on flexible working and employee rights (22%) were also seen to be a challenge for some enterprises, particularly at a time when many are working to protect the stability of their cash flow while keeping rising costs and red tape under control.

·      Concern over pensions also featured, with 17% of small businesses expressing concern over any potential changes to salary sacrifice and pension arrangements in the 2026 Budget.

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “The depth of concern over next week’s Budget, and the sheer number of issues small businesses are worried about, reflects the challenging economic environment in which they currently operate. Following the successive economic shocks from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently, the cost-of-living crisis, UK small businesses have been forced to adapt to rising costs and unprecedented market uncertainty. 

“Given the importance of small businesses to the UK’s growth agenda, we need a Budget next week that supports the SME community. In recent months, there has been a focus on giving the public some breathing space from everyday financial pressures. The message from small businesses is that they need support too. Positive announcements in next week’s Budget could go a long way towards boosting small business confidence and strengthening their ability to power economic growth and create jobs across the UK.”

Findings by industry sector

Autumn Budget announcements feared the most varied by industry sector:

·      Further rises to National Insurance were most feared in the  property/real estate (61%) and transport/distribution sectors (55%).

·      Further rises to employer’s National Insurance was most feared by small business owners in the  transport and distribution sector (68%).

·      The potential of increases to fuel duty was the biggest concern for small businesses in the construction (55%) and transport/distribution sectors (69%).

·      46% of small businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector were concerned about the prospect of changes to business rates. 

Novuna Business Finance provides funding solutions to SMEs and large businesses across the UK, including asset finance, stocking finance, block discounting and sustainable project finance. With an asset portfolio exceeding £1.9bn, we support sectors including transport, agriculture, construction and manufacturing with our Sustainable Project Finance team supporting major renewable energy and transport projects. In 2026 we were named Best Leasing and Asset Finance Provider at the Business Moneyfacts Awards. 

Novuna Business Finance is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups, with over 12 trillion yen (£57bn) of assets. 

The firm says millions of households are overcomplicating how they pay for their motors, getting caught out by high interest rates, complex trade-in valuations, and terrifying lump-sum ‘balloon payments’ at the end of traditional dealership deals like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP).

Instead, LeaseCar says motorists should adopt the same approach they use for their smartphones: pay a modest upfront cost, set a fixed monthly budget, enjoy the vehicle under full manufacturer warranty, and hand the keys back to upgrade to a newer model when the agreement ends.

The call comes as millions of UK families review their monthly budgets amid the cost-of-living crunch and look for predictable motoring costs without the headache of taking a massive hit on a car’s resale value.

Gareth Roberts, strategy director at LeaseCar, said: “Nobody buys a mobile phone expecting it to hold its value forever. You don’t sit around stressing over what it’ll be worth in three years’ time, and you certainly don’t haggle over its trade-in price in a shop. You just pay a clear monthly bill, enjoy the phone, and upgrade when your contract is up.

“Drivers are fed up with haggling over confusing finance deals, interest rate surprises, and huge balloon payments at the end of PCP agreements. With household budgets stretched and car tech changing faster than ever, people don’t want to lock their savings into a car that loses value the second you drive it off the forecourt.

“Treating a car like a mobile phone contract gives you total peace of mind. One simple monthly fee covers the vehicle, full warranty, and optional servicing—meaning no unexpected repair bills, no resale panic, and an easy path to upgrade every few years.”

According to LeaseCar, the rise of “car-as-a-service” offers an ideal route for drivers who want the benefits of a modern petrol, hybrid, or electric vehicle without taking on the financial gamble of long-term ownership.

By cutting out traditional forecourt markups and securing vehicles directly from major manufacturers, online leasing brokers allow drivers to lock in fixed, transparent outgoings from the comfort of their home.

To check out the latest vehicle leasing offers or compare monthly budget options, visit www.leasecar.uk.

New data from VQS reveals the surge in vehicle movement is driven by rising demand for new and used EV/hybrid fleets as businesses accelerate their transition to sustainable mobility.

An analysis of September delivery data highlights the rapid greening of corporate and leasing fleets. Out of all categorised vehicle movements, alternative fuel vehicles dominated transport requests, with over 4,500 hybrid and electric vehicle movements processed, accounting for over 63% of all fuel-categorised fleet activity.

For vehicle transport, hybrid electric models led the charge, followed closely by 1,551 pure electric and electric-diesel movements.

Major leasing and rental giants leveraged the network to execute seamless fleet updates, maintaining high operational uptime.

With an average journey distance of 125 miles, VQS completed over 7,200 movements in September alone. This high completion rate underscores the reliability modern fleet managers need to balance driver handover schedules, corporate remarketing, and end-of-lease returns without business disruption.

Simon Jackson, managing director at Vehicle Quality Solution, said: “Fleet operators today cannot afford logistical bottlenecks, especially as multi-powertrain fleets become the industry standard.

“Surpassing one million miles in a single month while prioritising EV and hybrid transitions demonstrates our capability to innovate and scale up to meet our customers’ changing inspection and logistics needs, as well as supporting their corporate sustainability goals.

“The data also reflects a maturing electric environment where sophisticated transport logistics are vital for keeping fleets agile, compliant, and environmentally forward-looking.”

Simon Jackson, managing director at Vehicle Quality Solution

British workers are in a dangerous financial position, as new research has revealed many don’t have savings or a money safety net to cover them if they were forced to stop work.

A study of 2,000 UK adults on behalf of national law firm Simpson Millar found 46% of workers would only be able to cover essentials for four weeks or less without an income, if an accident or injury left them unable to work.

More than one in 10 (11%) said they would not be able to cover their essential living costs at all, while just one in 10 (10%) could manage for more than three months.

The findings come as more than a quarter (26%) of UK adults say they currently have no money in personal savings.

Women appear particularly vulnerable to a sudden loss of income. Almost one in six (16%) working women said they could not cover their essential living costs at all if an injury stopped them working, compared with 6% of men.

Almost a third (31%) of women also said they currently have no personal savings, compared with 22% of men.

Younger workers are the least financially prepared for a loss of incom. Six in 10 (60%) 18 to 24 year olds said they could cover their essential costs for no more than four weeks, compared with 31% of workers aged 55 and over.

However, those aged 45 to 54 were the most likely to say they could not cover their essential living costs at all, at 16%.

More than half of workers in the West Midlands (55%), South West (54%) and Wales (53%) said they could cover their essential costs for no more than four weeks.

Workers in the East of England were the most likely to say they could not cover their costs at all without an income, at 14%, followed by the South East and Yorkshire and the Humber, both at 13%.

For those who have already experienced an injury or accident, the financial impact can be significant. Among people who had experienced an injury affecting their ability to work, a road traffic incident or an accident in a public place, 42% said they had been left financially worse off.

This rose to half (50%) in the South West and 49% in the North West. At city level, 55% of people in Plymouth who had experienced an injury or accident said they were left worse off financially, followed by 51% in Manchester.

Faced with unexpected costs following an injury, half (50%) said they would cut back on social activities and almost four in 10 (39%) would spend less on food shopping.

Women were particularly likely to say they would cut their grocery spending, at 43% compared with 34% of men.

Susan Vanden, Partner in the Personal Injury team at Simpson Millar, said: “An injury can take someone out of work overnight, but the bills don’t stop at the same time.

“For a lot of people, there simply isn’t a big financial cushion there. A few weeks without their usual income could be enough to put real pressure on household finances, and especially when everyday costs still need to be covered.

“We know that financial pressure can have a knock-on effect on recovery too. If someone is worried about paying their mortgage, rent or food bill, it’s understandable that getting back to work and earning again can quickly become their priority, even when they aren’t fully recovered.

“Where an accident or injury wasn’t your fault and was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. Compensation isn’t just about the injury itself. It can also cover loss of earnings and help meet the costs of treatment and rehabilitation.”

Concerns about legal costs are the biggest barrier that could stop Brits making a personal injury claim if they were injured because of somebody else’s fault, new research has revealed.

A study of 2,000 UK adults on behalf of national law firm Simpson Millar found 16% said concerns about legal fees would be most likely to stop them pursuing a claim.

One in eight (12%) said not knowing what their rights would be could prevent them taking action, while one in 10 (9%) would be put off because they believe the process would take too much time.

However, a third (34%) said nothing would stop them making a personal injury claim if they were injured because of somebody else’s fault.

Older people were much less likely to be put off making a claim.

Almost half (48%) of those aged 55 and over said nothing would stop them, compared with 17% of 18 to 24 year olds and 18% of those aged 25 to 34.

Younger adults were more concerned about the amount of time involved. Some 14% of 18 to 24 year olds said a claim being too time-consuming could stop them taking action, compared with 6% of those aged 55 and over.

A lack of understanding about their rights was also more common among the youngest respondents, with 17% of 18 to 24 year olds saying this could prevent them making a claim.

Women were almost twice as likely as men to say not knowing their rights could put them off, at 16% compared with 9%.

Concerns over legal costs themselves were much more evenly split, at 16% of women and 15% of men.

In Wales, one in five (20%) said concerns over legal fees could prevent them making a claim, followed by 18% in both the South East and East Midlands.

People in the South West were the most likely to say a lack of knowledge about their rights could stop them, at 16%.

At city level, almost a quarter (23%) of people in Plymouth said concerns about legal fees could put them off making a claim, while 22% said the same in Edinburgh.

Bristol recorded the highest proportion who said not knowing their rights could prevent them making a claim, at 18%, followed by Sheffield and Cardiff, both at 17%.

The potential barriers come despite the financial impact an injury can have.

Among people who had experienced an injury affecting their ability to work, a road traffic incident or an accident in a public place, 42% said they had been left financially worse off.

Half (50%) of those in the South West who had experienced an injury or accident said they were worse off afterwards, rising to 55% at city level in Plymouth.

And among respondents whose most recent injury affected their ability to work, one in four (25%) said they received no financial support following it.

Mark Howarth, Partner in the Personal Injury team at Simpson Millar, said: “It’s concerning that so many people are being put off finding out whether they have a claim, because of worries about cost, time or simply not knowing where they stand.

“Many people don’t realise that most personal injury claims can be funded through a No Win, No Fee agreement, so there are no upfront legal fees to pay. You also don’t need to understand your rights or the legal process before getting in touch. That’s what a specialist solicitor is there to explain.

“An injury can have a serious financial impact, particularly if it stops someone from working. Where it was caused by someone else’s negligence, compensation can cover more than the injury itself, including lost earnings, treatment and rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses.

“Whether it’s the cost, the time or not knowing your rights, none of these should stop someone from getting advice and finding out what support may be available to them.”

Four in 10 Brits say they have risked their health at work because they could not afford to take time off, new research has revealed.

A study of 2,000 UK adults on behalf of national law firm Simpson Millar found 39% agreed they had risked their health at work because they could not afford to take time off.

The figure rises to half (50%) of 25 to 34 year olds and 49% of those aged 35 to 44, compared with 30% of people aged 55 and over.

Men were also more likely to say they had risked their health because they could not afford time off, at 42% compared with 37% of women.

In Wales, 44% said they had put their health at risk at work because they could not afford to take time off, while the figure stood at 42% in both the South East and South West.

The study also found three in 10 (30%) UK adults have raised a concern at work about the risk of physical injury, including accidents, hazards or unsafe conditions.

Men were more likely to have spoken up, with 36% saying they had raised a concern compared with 24% of women.

Four in 10 (40%) 25 to 34 year olds had raised a workplace safety concern, making them the most likely age group to have done so, compared with 23% of those aged 55 and over.

In the North West, 35% said they had raised concerns, followed by 34% in the East Midlands and around a third in both London and the West Midlands.

At city level, four in 10 (40%) people in Plymouth said they had raised a workplace safety concern, while the figure stood at 37% in Manchester and 36% in Liverpool.

But raising the alarm did not always lead to action.

Among those who had raised a concern about the risk of physical injury at work, more than a third (36%) said no changes were made as a result.

That rose to 46% in both Scotland and Yorkshire and the Humber. At city level, six in 10 (60%) people in Edinburgh who had raised a concern said no changes were made, along with 59% in Norwich.

Younger workers were also more likely to say speaking up had failed to lead to change. Among those who had raised concerns, 44% of 18 to 24 year olds and 45% of 35 to 44 year olds said nothing changed.

For those who are injured and unable to work, financial support is not guaranteed either. Among respondents who had experienced an injury affecting their ability to work, one in four (25%) said they received no financial support.

Matthew Trusch in the Personal Injury team at Simpson Millar, said: “Nobody should feel they have to put their health at risk simply because they can’t afford to take time away from work, but these figures show that is already happening.

“It’s also worrying to see people raising concerns about physical risks at work and feeling that nothing changed afterwards. Employees need to be able to flag something they believe is unsafe and know that it will be properly looked at.

“Employers have responsibilities when it comes to keeping people safe at work. Accidents will happen, but there is a difference between an unavoidable accident and somebody being injured because a known risk wasn’t dealt with or reasonable steps weren’t taken to protect them.

“If someone is injured at work because of another person’s negligence, they may be able to make a personal injury claim. That can include compensation for the injury as well as financial losses such as time away from work and the cost of treatment or rehabilitation.”