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  Violence on UK Trains Hits Record High, Raising Safety Concerns for Staff and Passengers

  Violence on Britain's railways has reached a record high, with almost 25,000 reported assaults recorded in the 2025-26 financial year, up about 20% from the previous year. Railway workers have faced particular risks, with nearly 2,500 physical assaults reported against staff — an average of around seven incidents every day.Rail unions say the increase is not surprising, as the number of British Transport Police officers fell by more than 10% between 2024 and 2026. Many rail workers now wear body cameras to record incidents, but staff say threats, verbal abuse and physical violence have become increasingly common. Alcohol, drugs and some passengers experiencing mental health problems can also contribute to confrontations.Workers said conditions have deteriorated since the pandemic. One train guard in northern England described being punched in the head by a passenger and losing consciousness on a platform. He said verbal abuse has become a daily occurrence and even routine ticket checks can trigger threats. Railway contractors working on tracks have also reported being verbally abused and spat at by passengers frustrated by delays and cancelled services.Passenger safety is also a concern, with reported assaults on passengers rising 36% last year. The rail industry and police say part of the increase reflects better reporting, including discreet text messages to British Transport Police. However, they believe many incidents still go unreported. Violence against women and girls on public transport has received particular attention, with UK officials calling for stronger staffing, lighting, CCTV and effective responses when passengers raise safety concerns.

  2026-10-11 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  US study: Eating too much sugar while taking antibiotics may harm gut bacteria

  According to CNN, a new study suggests that eating a high-sugar diet while taking antibiotics may further disrupt the gut's natural bacteria and allow potentially harmful bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of infection.The study, published in the journal Nature, examined cancer patients who were hospitalized and taking antibiotics for an extended period before receiving stem cell transplants. Because their meals were prepared by the hospital, researchers were able to track what they ate and examine how their diets were linked to changes in gut bacteria.Researchers found that patients who combined antibiotic treatment with a high-sugar diet experienced a greater and longer-lasting increase in a type of gut bacteria called Enterococcus faecium. The bacteria can normally live in the intestines, but when antibiotics destroy many of the body's healthy bacteria, it may have an opportunity to multiply and potentially cause infection.The gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with digestion, produce some vitamins and support the immune system. Diet is also an important factor in maintaining a healthy gut. Eating a varied diet rich in vegetables and fiber is generally associated with a more diverse and balanced community of gut bacteria.Researchers said healthy gut bacteria can help prevent harmful bacteria from taking over. When antibiotics reduce the normal bacteria in the gut and a high-sugar diet provides an easy source of nutrients for certain bacteria, that natural protection may be weakened.However, the study focused on a specific group of hospitalized patients, so the findings do not mean that everyone taking antibiotics will experience the same effects. The researchers said the findings mainly highlight the importance of paying attention to diet during antibiotic treatment and limiting excessive sugar intake to help protect gut health.

  2026-10-11 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  UK Tesco Becomes First Supermarket to Offer Paid Safe Leave for Domestic Abuse Victims

  Tesco, the UK's largest private-sector employer, has introduced paid “safe leave” for employees experiencing domestic abuse, becoming the first major British supermarket to offer the benefit. Employees can take up to three days of paid leave each year, with the time used flexibly to deal with safety and practical matters related to domestic abuse.The policy applies to Tesco's roughly 300,000 employees and can be used for activities including attending court hearings, arranging emergency accommodation, changing locks, securing childcare and separating finances. Developed with the shopworkers' union Usdaw, the policy does not require employees to provide formal evidence of abuse when requesting the leave, reducing barriers for those seeking help.Tesco has also trained managers across the business to recognize potential signs of domestic abuse, support affected employees and connect them with specialist services. The company said the policy is intended to give employees the time and practical support they need during difficult circumstances, without forcing them to choose between their jobs and their safety.More than 3 million people experienced some form of domestic abuse in England and Wales last year, according to the charity SafeLives, with women making up the majority of victims. The UK Parliament is considering a bill that would provide up to 10 days of paid leave for domestic abuse victims in England and Wales. Northern Ireland introduced legislation guaranteeing 10 days of paid leave in 2020, while similar protections exist in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

  2026-10-10 09:00