Divorces can often turn contentious, especially when emotions run high and financial matters come to the forefront. One of the key issues that can lead to extended disputes is alimony or spousal support.

Understanding alimony, especially who qualifies, how payments are determined, and the rights each party holds, can help navigate these high-conflict situations more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to understand.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony, or spousal support, refers to the financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. Its primary aim is to reduce the economic disparity that might arise after the separation, ensuring that the lower-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living. It’s especially relevant when one spouse has been financially dependent on the other during the course of the marriage.

Who Qualifies for Alimony?

Alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case. Courts consider various factors before deciding if spousal support is warranted. Contact a divorce lawyer in Connecticut for more information. However, generally, these factors include:

Length of the Marriage: Long-term marriages, generally considered to be 10 years or more, are more likely to result in alimony payments than shorter unions.

Financial Disparity: If one spouse earns significantly more than the other or if one spouse has been a homemaker or caregiver without independent income, alimony may be necessary to help the lower-earning spouse adjust to post-divorce life.

Age and Health: Courts may also consider the age and health of both parties. If the lower-earning spouse is older or has health issues that impact their earning potential, they may be more likely to qualify for spousal support.

Contributions to the Marriage: Non-financial contributions, such as raising children or supporting the other spouse’s career, can also be factored in when determining alimony eligibility.

Standard of Living: The court aims to preserve the standard of living both parties enjoyed during the marriage. If there’s a significant gap between post-divorce living conditions, alimony may be necessary to bridge that gap.

How Are Alimony Payments Determined?

Once it’s determined that alimony is necessary, the next step is calculating the amount and duration of payments. Several factors come into play when courts make this decision:

Income of Both Spouses: Courts assess the income of both spouses, including salaries, bonuses, business income, and investments. A spouse’s potential to earn can also be considered, particularly if one spouse is underemployed or unemployed by choice.

Living Expenses: The court will evaluate both spouses’ living expenses to determine the financial needs of the recipient and the paying spouse’s ability to contribute. This includes housing costs, utilities, insurance, and other essential costs.

Duration of the Marriage: As with eligibility, the length of the marriage plays a significant role in determining the duration of alimony payments. In shorter marriages, alimony is often temporary to support the transition to independent living. In longer marriages, payments may be longer or even permanent, especially if the recipient spouse cannot support themselves financially.

Rehabilitative Alimony: In cases where one spouse needs time and resources to gain the skills or education necessary to support themselves, courts may award rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is often granted for a fixed period, with the expectation that the recipient will become financially independent by the end of that period.

Lifestyle of the Marriage: The court looks to maintain a degree of consistency in the lifestyle both spouses were accustomed to during the marriage. This helps prevent a significant drop in the standard of living for the lower-earning spouse.

State Guidelines: Alimony laws vary from state to state. Some states have formulas that set guidelines for determining alimony, while others leave the decision to the discretion of the judge.

Modifying Alimony

Alimony is not always set in stone. If circumstances change significantly, such as the recipient remarrying or the payer losing a job, either party can petition the court to modify the payment amount or terminate it. However, the party seeking modification must provide evidence of substantial changes in financial circumstances.

Conclusion

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is challenging, but understanding how alimony works can help reduce confusion and stress. Courts aim to strike a fair balance, ensuring that both parties can move forward after the marriage ends. Alimony is designed to prevent financial hardships and foster independence for the lower-earning spouse. By being informed and prepared, divorcing couples can focus on finding resolutions that help both parties rebuild their lives.

Over 1,000 jobs have been lost, and 35 TGI Fridays branches have closed following a private equity-led rescue of the struggling UK restaurant group.

The deal, orchestrated by the backers of D&D London, secures 51 TGI Fridays restaurants out of administration, saving approximately 2,400 jobs. However, the rescue has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the treatment of staff at the closed branches.

Reports emerged that workers were informed of their redundancies with as little as one hour’s notice via video calls, while others were locked out of their workplaces and notified through WhatsApp messages. Many staff members have been left uncertain about whether they will receive full pay or be reimbursed for accrued holiday pay and tips, according to the trade union Unite, which called the treatment “frankly appalling.”

The UK’s TGI Fridays owner, Hostmore, filed for administration last month after struggling with debts and poor trading. Despite initial hopes that more branches could be saved through negotiations with landlords, administrators at Teneo confirmed that 35 restaurants would close immediately, with 1,012 staff redundancies.

Julie McEwan, chief executive of TGI Fridays UK, expressed her devastation over the closures: “We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving TGIs and thank them for their loyalty and contribution during their time with us. We are doing everything possible to retain our team and support those impacted.”

The new owners of the remaining TGI Fridays restaurants, private equity firms Breal Group and Calveton, also own D&D London, Byron Burgers, and Vinoteca wine bars. They plan to modernise the brand and build on its heritage, with a spokesman saying, “We are delighted to be working with such an enthusiastic and committed management team to both modernise the business and capitalise on the heritage of this iconic brand.”

TGI Fridays has faced increasing competition in the UK’s casual dining sector, which has been hit hard by economic pressures, shrinking discretionary spending, and rising operational costs. Daniel Smith, senior managing director of Teneo, noted that the deal “preserves a significant proportion of jobs and will hopefully provide the business with the stability and support it needs to recover and grow.”

While the closures have deeply affected staff, the rescued branches offer hope for the remaining 51 restaurants and the employees who continue to work for the brand. As the hospitality sector continues to face challenges, TGI Fridays must modernise and adapt to survive in a competitive landscape.

Closed restaurants:

Barnsley, Birmingham, Bracknell, Brighton Marina, Bristol Cabot Circus, Cardiff Newport Road, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Croydon, Derby, Dundee, Durham, Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird, Enfield, Gateshead, Gloucester Quays, Halifax, Jersey, Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Leicester, Lincoln, Manchester Royal Exchange, Newcastle Eldon Square, Newport, Northampton, Prestwich, Romford, Sale, Solihull, Southampton West Quay South, Speke, Sutton Coldfield, Swansea, Watford North

Surviving restaurants:

Bluewater, Trafford Centre, Meadowhall, Aberdeen Union Square, Metrocentre, Basildon, Glasgow Fort, Milton Keynes Stadium, Braehead, Wembley, Birmingham NEC, Glasgow, Junction 27, Castleford, Lakeside Quay, Teesside, Bolton, Norwich, St Davids, Doncaster, Lakeside, Fareham, Liverpool One, Stevenage, White Rose, Cribbs Causeway, Rushden Lakes, Stoke On Trent, Southampton, Silverburn, Watford Central, Aberdeen Beach, Braintree, Bournemouth, Stratford, High Wycombe, Cheshire Oaks, Walsall, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Coventry, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Telford, The 02, Staines, Crawley, Reading, Cheadle, Leicester Square

Rachel Reeves has been urged by Britain’s largest employers’ group to avoid implementing “anti-enterprise tax rises” in this month’s budget, as concerns grow over the potential impact on entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has cautioned that raising taxes on capital gains and other business-related levies could harm the UK’s economic growth and discourage entrepreneurship.

As the chancellor seeks to balance the public finances, reports have suggested she may consider increasing capital gains tax (CGT), which is currently charged at lower rates than income tax. However, business leaders warn that such a move could stifle the incentive for individuals to start and grow companies. Currently, entrepreneurs benefit from a CGT relief that allows them to pay just 10% on gains up to £1 million, compared to the standard 20% rate. The FSB has called on Reeves to maintain this relief, arguing that without these incentives, the risks taken by small business owners would be poorly rewarded.

Tina McKenzie, policy chairwoman of the FSB, said: “The chancellor, in her recent party conference address, gave every impression that she would sensibly avoid being lured into damaging anti-enterprise tax rises in the budget, and we urge her to stick to that.”

The FSB’s pre-budget submission also outlines several recommendations for easing employment costs. These include reintroducing a rebate that allows small businesses to reclaim the costs of statutory sick pay and increasing the employment allowance, which reduces national insurance contributions for small employers. Additionally, the FSB has called for reforms to protect small companies from business rates and for action to stop lenders from demanding “personal guarantees,” which can force business owners to risk their homes when borrowing money.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged the chancellor to deliver a “tone-setting” budget that demonstrates the UK has a credible plan for boosting growth. In its submission, the CBI advocates for reforms to the apprenticeship levy and calls for non-taxable health support to help businesses invest in their workforce, reducing economic inactivity due to ill health. The CBI also recommends the introduction of a “business tax roadmap” to provide long-term fiscal clarity, which would help businesses plan and invest effectively.

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TripMates.co.uk, a new web-widget launched today, aims to make planning group trips easier while preventing attendees from feeling pressured into taking on debt.

Developed by the global money-saving brand Hotukdeals, the tool enables trip organisers to arrange events in a way that is sensitive to everyone’s financial preferences, offering a guilt-free and anonymous way for participants to share their input.

The platform allows organisers to create multiple-choice questions for attendees, covering key areas such as maximum budget, travel preferences, and day trip ideas. Participants can even opt out or select a “deal-breaker” that would prevent them from attending if certain conditions are met. All responses are anonymised and averaged, giving organisers an overview of group preferences without outing individuals who may prefer a lower-budget option.

TripMates.co.uk comes in response to research showing that a significant number of young adults have taken on credit agreements to attend important events like weddings, hen parties, or milestone birthdays. Nearly a quarter of 18-24-year-olds surveyed admitted to taking on debt for such occasions, while a third of respondents said they would pay more than their “fair share” to avoid embarrassment.

With 26% of Brits feeling anxious about declining unaffordable invitations, TripMates.co.uk offers a solution to ease financial pressure while maintaining relationships. The tool is designed for group trips, including hen and stag parties, birthday celebrations, and golf weekends, allowing organisers to plan events in a financially responsible way that considers everyone’s situation.

Vix Leyton, consumer expert and host of the *False Economy* podcast, highlighted the importance of discussing finances openly, saying: “Talking about money has been taboo for too long. We risk falling into the trap of going into debt to keep up appearances when we would prefer to spend less, hoping someone else speaks up. Hopefully this tool takes away the stress of being honest about what you can afford and ensures any event is priced in an accessible, realistic way.”

TripMates.co.uk offers an innovative way to plan events that are inclusive and affordable, empowering groups to enjoy trips together without the financial burden that often accompanies such plans.

KPMG and NatWest Group have resumed their membership with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), delivering a much-needed boost to the lobbying group as it continues its recovery from a sexual misconduct scandal that rocked its foundation.

The return of these prominent members, 18 months after suspending their engagement, signals renewed confidence in the CBI’s restructuring efforts and its attempts to restore its influence in government.

The CBI, often referred to as the ‘voice of British business’, has been struggling to regain its footing after a sexual misconduct crisis in 2023 brought it to the brink of financial collapse. In response, the organisation undertook a radical restructuring, which included workforce reductions and the closure of several overseas offices. It also secured new borrowing facilities from NatWest and other high street banks to avoid bankruptcy.

In addition to KPMG and NatWest, City law firm Addleshaw Goddard has also resumed its membership. They join companies such as AstraZeneca, Drax Group, and Unilever, which have also re-engaged with the organisation in recent months. Despite these positive developments, some companies, like Aviva, which was the first to publicly sever ties with the CBI in 2023, have not yet returned.

The CBI has slowly begun to rebuild its influence in Whitehall and is expected to provide an update on its financial position at its annual meeting later this month. Talks about a potential merger with Make UK, the manufacturers’ body, were briefly explored last year but ultimately abandoned.

Neither KPMG, NatWest, nor the CBI commented on the latest developments. However, the return of such high-profile members is seen as a crucial step in restoring the CBI’s standing in British business and government circles.

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When we think of hair transplants, most of us immediately imagine men. Celebrities like Wayne Rooney or Joe Swash spring to mind, both of whom have been open about their hair restoration journeys. But what if I told you that more and more women in the UK are now turning to hair transplants as well? Yes, hair transplants are quietly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women, too, and it’s time we start talking about it.

Hair is such a significant part of a woman’s identity. It’s tied to our femininity, our confidence, and often, our self-worth. So, when hair loss occurs, it can feel like a piece of ourselves is slipping away. While men might be more publicly associated with balding, hair loss is a very real issue for women as well, and it comes with its own set of unique challenges.

From hormonal imbalances to stress, genetics, or medical conditions, women experience hair thinning and hair loss for a multitude of reasons. But with hair transplants becoming more advanced, accessible, and effective, women are finding new hope in restoring not just their hair, but their confidence too.

Why Women Lose Their Hair

Before we dive into the rise of hair transplants for women, let’s take a quick look at why hair loss happens in the first place.

1. Hormonal Changes: One of the biggest culprits of hair loss in women is hormonal changes. Pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all trigger hair thinning or loss. As women go through these life stages, their hormones fluctuate, and one of the unfortunate side effects can be hair loss.
2. Genetics: Just like men, women can inherit the genetic predisposition for hair thinning or loss. Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects millions of women worldwide. This type of hair loss tends to follow a different pattern than in men, with women experiencing diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than the classic receding hairline.
3. Stress: Modern life is stressful, and unfortunately, stress can have a direct impact on our hair. Conditions like telogen effluvium can cause hair to shed more rapidly after a particularly stressful event, like surgery, emotional trauma, or even illness.
4. Medical Conditions: Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can cause patches of hair loss, while thyroid disorders, anemia, and even nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning or falling hair.
5. Hair Practices: The way we treat our hair matters too. Years of over-styling, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails, and excessive heat application can cause damage to hair follicles, leading to hair loss over time. Traction alopecia, for example, is a form of hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair from hairstyles such as weaves over a long period.

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss on Women

We’ve grown up in a culture that places enormous importance on a woman’s appearance, and hair has always played a big part in that. Whether it’s long, short, curly, or straight, hair is a powerful symbol of beauty and identity for women. So, when it begins to thin or fall out, the emotional impact can be devastating.

Many women experience a significant loss of confidence when they notice their hair thinning. It’s not just the physical change that’s challenging; it’s the social and emotional toll. For some women, this leads to feelings of shame or embarrassment, making them hesitant to seek help. Others may try to hide their hair loss with wigs, hairpieces, or styling tricks, but these are often temporary solutions.

The good news is, as we start to normalise conversations about hair loss, more women are discovering that they aren’t alone. And thanks to advancements in cosmetic procedures, hair transplants are emerging as a long-term, effective solution for women dealing with hair loss.

Why Hair Transplants Are Becoming Popular for Women in the UK

So, why are hair transplants becoming such a popular option for women in the UK? There are several key factors driving this trend:

1. Advancements in Hair Transplant Technology

The world of hair restoration has come a long way in recent years. Procedures like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are now so refined that they can produce natural, seamless results that are nearly undetectable. FUE, in particular, is the most popular technique because it doesn’t leave the linear scars associated with older methods.

Women benefit from these advancements because the results are tailored to their specific patterns of hair loss. Unlike men, whose hair loss typically occurs in distinct areas like the crown or temples, women often experience diffuse thinning, which requires a more delicate and strategic approach. Surgeons today are skilled in designing hairlines and creating density that mimics a woman’s natural hair pattern, ensuring the end result looks soft, full, and feminine.

2. Discreet and Customised Treatments

One of the things that’s made hair transplants so appealing to women is how discreet the procedure has become. Unlike more invasive cosmetic surgeries, hair transplants offer relatively short recovery times, and patients can often return to work within a few days. The downtime is minimal, and within months, women begin to see new growth.

Another major draw is that treatments can be customised to suit a woman’s unique hair loss situation. Whether a woman is looking to fill in thinning areas, lower her hairline, or even restore her eyebrows, hair transplants offer versatile solutions. Eyebrow transplants, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular as women seek to correct over-plucking from the 90s (I’m looking at you, thin brows!) or restore fullness after hair loss due to conditions like alopecia.

3. More Affordable Options

While hair transplants were once seen as a treatment reserved for the rich and famous, they’ve become far more accessible in recent years. More clinics are offering competitive prices, and many now provide flexible payment plans, making the procedure financially attainable for a wider audience. We spoke to Daniel Corner, trichologist at My Hair UK, who said that they have seen a huge rise in female patients and now nearly 25% of their patients are women. They offer procedures starting around the £2,500 mark depending on the number of grafts and have clinics in London and Manchester.

Of course, the rise in popularity of medical tourism, particularly in countries like Turkey, has also contributed to the affordability of hair transplants. However, more women are choosing to stay within the UK for their treatments, valuing the security of having a trusted surgeon close by for follow-up appointments and ongoing care.

4. Growing Social Acceptance

In the past, women might have been reluctant to admit to undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure, particularly something as personal as a hair transplant. But as conversations about body positivity and self-care become more mainstream, the stigma around cosmetic enhancements is fading.

Celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Jada Pinkett Smith have openly discussed their struggles with hair loss, which has helped destigmatise the condition for millions of women. Meanwhile, social media has allowed women to share their hair transplant journeys, creating a supportive community of individuals who understand the emotional weight of hair loss.

This growing acceptance has empowered more women to explore their options and take control of their appearance without fear of judgment.

The Impact of Hair Transplants on Women’s Lives

For many women, a hair transplant isn’t just about restoring lost hair; it’s about regaining confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of control. The emotional and psychological benefits of hair restoration are often just as significant as the physical results.

Women who have undergone hair transplants frequently report feeling more confident in their appearance and more comfortable in social situations. Many say they feel like they’ve gotten a piece of their identity back—something that’s hard to put a price on.

In a world where women are constantly judged for their appearance, being able to take control of something as personal as hair loss can be incredibly empowering.

The Future of Hair Transplants for Women

As hair transplants continue to grow in popularity, the future looks bright for women seeking solutions to hair loss. With new advancements on the horizon, such as stem cell research and hair cloning, the options for hair restoration are likely to become even more effective and widely available.

Additionally, as more women open up about their experiences, we can expect the stigma around female hair loss to continue fading, making it easier for women to seek the treatments they need without shame or embarrassment.

Conclusion: Embracing Hair Transplants as an Empowering Choice

The rise of hair transplants for women in the UK is a testament to the growing recognition of hair loss as a significant issue for women—not just men. Thanks to technological advancements, greater affordability, and increasing social acceptance, hair transplants are quietly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women today.

Whether you’re dealing with hair loss due to hormonal changes, stress, or simply genetics, a hair transplant can offer a long-lasting solution that restores not just your hair but your confidence as well. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Hair loss is a common issue for many women, and there’s no shame in seeking out a solution that helps you feel like the best version of yourself.

The effects of climate change are starting to be felt around the world. In 2023, Canada and Hawaii experienced huge forest fires, Europe and the southern US endured extreme heat, and China suffered significant flooding. In 2024, a cooler than average UK summer aside, the average global surface temperature for the three months from June to August was the warmest ever recorded for the period.

Governments around the world are responding to the climate crisis by committing to a target of net zero emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2050. In doing so, they hope to limit the worst impacts and start to reverse the damage.

The UK government has made this commitment, along with an interim target of a 78 per cent cut in emissions by 2035 compared with 1990 levels.

Achieving these ambitious targets requires the commitment of organisations of all sizes to also step up and take action.

The challenge of net zero for organisations

We know that organisations want to do the right thing and get to grips with this topic. However, it is complex and challenging: from understanding how to calculate carbon footprints to devising and implementing plans for reducing emissions and tracking progress – all while avoiding greenwashing and financial pain. 

There are several certifications, awards and approval schemes available in the marketplace, but how they link to and support an organisation’s journey to net zero is not always clear. The watchword for any organisation embarking on its journey to net zero is credibility. Credibility is built on trust, but how we demonstrate and gain trust is predominantly through actions and performance, which can be highly subjective measures. Yet there are ways you can measure and validate that activity, through transparency with regard to data, targets and progress. 

According to the BSI Net Zero Barometer Report 2023, 94 per cent of consumers say proper verification of a business environmental claim is important to them, and 73 per cent say they are willing to spend more with sustainable organizations. So, transparency is good for business as well as the climate.

Getting – and staying – on track to net zero

The Pathway is not a standard, it is an overarching scheme built on international standards and best practice guidance. It starts with a rigorous, independent carbon footprint verification against the requirements of ISO 14064-1. This ensures reduction targets are set against an accurate baseline, and all relevant emissions have been considered, thus ensuring credibility on your journey to becoming net zero.

It also leverages best practices from the key principles of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42):2022, and ensures planned business growth is considered within the company’s plans for emissions reduction. 

Even if emissions reduction targets have already been validated by another organization, they can still be used in conjunction with our scheme. Indeed, the benefit of the BSI Net Zero Pathway  is that it goes beyond just setting targets, it also includes annual audits and progress reviews against these targets to ensure they are being achieved.  

Every organisation’s journey to becoming a certified net zero business will be different. But whatever the size or sector, BSI is dedicated to making the process seamless and ensuring organizations have an answer to ‘Now what?’.

Learn more about the BSI Net Zero Pathway here 

Laurie Wood is UK&I sustainability sector lead for BSI.