THE exact date a major supermarket with more than 300 UK branches is set to close has been revealed.
Waitrose fans were saddened to hear their beloved store will be pulling down the shutters for good.
The site, located in Hall Green, Birmingham, announced it will close its doors for the final time after welcoming customers for more than 50 years.
Execs dubbed the move a sad “last resort” after failing to bring in higher profits.
Redundancy consultations have been started with the store’s 123 members of staff.
Hall Green North Councillor, Saima Suleman, shared the sad news on Facebook this week.
It sparked an outcry among shoppers who claimed they “want to move now”.
Someone wrote: “Hall Green isn’t what it was I think it needs to be more suitably placed.”
Another resident said: “This has made me want to move now.”
Others added on social media: “That’s disappointing! It’s one of my favourites since moving back to Birmingham in this area.”
“I’m so gutted,” agreed a fourth.
“Sad – it was always nice to have it at my door step. The staff in there are really friendly and helpful. What a shame!”, penned another.
The exact closure date was confirmed by Waitrose, and is set in January next year.
James Allen, head of retail operations at the supermarket, said: “Our priority now is doing everything we can to support our Partners at Waitrose Hall Green and we will explore opportunities, wherever possible, for those partners who may wish to remain with the Partnership.
“Closing any of our shops is always a last resort and is in no way a reflection on their hard work and dedication.”
A spokesperson for Waitrose added: “Regrettably, we’ve announced our intent to close Waitrose Hall Green in Birmingham at the end of trade on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
“Despite the best efforts of our partners, we’ve unfortunately not been able to find a way to make the shop commercially sustainable.
“The 123 partners who work in the shop will now enter a period of consultation. If the redundancy proposals go ahead, every effort will be made to find those who wish to remain within the partnership new roles
“Customers will continue to be able to get all their groceries on waitrose.com, our nearby Waitrose Solihull shop, under three miles away, and other on demand locations in the event the closure is confirmed.
“The John Lewis partnership is committed to providing support to those partners who are at risk of redundancy.
“We’ll be exploring opportunities for partners within the partnership first, and our retraining fund will contribute up to £3,000 towards a recognised qualification or course for up to two years for any partner with two years’ service or more who is made redundant.
“They would also be given access to a three month support programme with an outplacement specialist to help with CV writing and interview skills.”
In addition to statutory redundancy payments, staff who have worked with the business for more than 90 days would be entitled to Partnership redundancy pay, which equates to one week’s pay for every year of service.
It comes as the retailer confirmed it will close all stores to give staff a break on Boxing Day.
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has exclusively told The Sun it will shut all its standalone John Lewis stores on December 25 and 26.
Only its shops within the Trafford and Stratford shopping centres will remain open.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of Waitrose stores, also operated by the JLP, will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
That means over 300 Waitrose branches and 33 John Lewis sites will be closed to customers on December 26.
A handful of Waitrose shops attached to petrol stations will remain open on Boxing Day though.
By Ashley Armstrong
JOHN LEWIS bosses have declared that the retailer has got its buzz back — but remained schtum on whether staff would have their cherished bonuses restored.
The employee-owned retail group yesterday toasted a turnaround in fortunes as sales grew and its losses narrowed from £59million to £30million.
Nish Kankiwala, chief executive of the John Lewis Partnership, yesterday said that he also expected profits to “significantly improve” this year.
However, he said that a decision on staff bonuses, which often used to be equivalent to a month or two’s pay, would not be taken until March.
John Lewis has not paid its staff — known as partners — a bonus for three out of the four years of outgoing chair Dame Sharon White’s tenure as it has battled with the aftermath of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, Dame Sharon said bonuses could be paid only when it reported sustainable profits.
Dame Sharon, who unusually did not take part in the results call, will be replaced on Monday by ex-Tesco boss Jason Tarry.
The changing of the guard comes amid signs that its decision to “unashamedly focus on retail” once again has paid off.
It said that it has invested more in stores and customer service after being accused of heavy-handed cost-cutting.
The partnership has been bolstered by strong trading at Waitrose, with boss James Bailey saying the upmarket grocer was on track for the most profitable year for a decade.
It had struggled during the cost of living crisis as shoppers switched to the discounters but easing pressures has boosted its sales by five per cent.
It said that the mix between price increases and shoppers buying more food was evenly split.
Mr Bailey said: “Two million more people shop in Waitrose than two years ago.”
At John Lewis sales were down three per cent to £2billion although it blamed the wider fashion and furniture market slowdown.
Department store head Peter Ruis said the retailer’s decision to revive its Never Knowingly Undersold price promise had already paid off, with strong sales in its beauty and electrical brands.
THE megawatt smile we have not seen for so long is back.
Prince Harry beams from ear to ear in photos taken on his latest trip to his beloved Africa.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously accompanied him to the continent, including in May this year.
But this, the most recent in a series of solo trips for Harry, has sparked fears the couple, who have been married for six years, are drifting apart.
It has even prompted a source close to Harry and Meghan to address the speculation.
The Sussexes’ confidante insisted: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”
Not so long ago, this power couple strode the world united — seemingly inseparable in their work promoting the good causes backed by their charity, Archewell.
But now Harry and Meghan are losing yet another key member of staff.
Archewell’s communications chief, Ashley Hansen, has announced she is setting up her own firm.
She will continue to be an “advisor” to the couple and manage the PR for Meghan’s new California business venture, believed to be named American Riviera Orchard, which has so far dished out 50 jars of jam.
Harry and Meghan’s enterprises will now be running side-by-side rather than jointly, although they are expected to be seen together at charitable engagements and embarking on foreign visits.
While it is understood that the Duke and Duchess’s work lives will be separated, insiders told The Sun that they are also spending more and more of their down time apart.
Harry has barely been at home in Montecito for the past three weeks. He has been seen without Meghan in New York, London and Lesotho.
In the UK capital this week, he did not see his father the King, nor did he have any contact with his brother, Prince William.
On Monday, he honoured seriously ill youngsters at the WellChild Awards in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel. The Duke has been a patron of the charity for 16 years.
He was on good form, full of energy and seemed quite happy to be on his own.
Attendee WellChild Awards in London
He beamed with joy as he hugged youngsters and told them in a speech that they were “little legends”.
One of those attending said: “He looked like the old Harry we knew and loved.
“He always came alive at events like this, but lately he has seemed quite glum.
“He was on good form, full of energy and seemed quite happy to be on his own.”
It has also emerged that Harry even spent the night of his birthday last month on a hiking holiday without his wife, although sources close to the couple insist it was Meghan who organised the lads’ trip.
Meanwhile, it was reported that she pulled out of a charity event run by actor Kevin Costner in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband because she was “sick”.
In fact, Meghan has not been seen since September 14 — the day before Harry turned 40. Sources claim that, for periods earlier this year, she was rarely staying at their Montecito pad.
Harry was said to be “moping around” on his own at a local cafe.
And a New York Times interview with Meghan initially said she was living 100 miles away in Santa Monica.
But that was later put down to being an error and corrected.
Previous claims last year that Meghan and Harry spent extended spells apart, with him allegedly using a hotel room bolthole, were denied by those close to the couple.
And allegations that other properties in Montecito have been “leased” by them are said to be false, according to California sources.
But The Sun understands Harry did spend many days away from his mansion writing Spare, while Meghan filmed her upcoming cookery show in another house entirely.
It was said that, like any other couple, they have disagreements but remained strong.
Meghan has reportedly been frustrated with Harry’s legal cases, which are still dragging on through the courts in London.
And the couple reportedly disagreed on how to raise their children, Archie, now five, and Lilibet, three.
Harry, The Sun has been told, did not want the kids to be seen in public in case they were photographed.
But Meghan would allegedly prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, allowing them to attend more local events.
The Sussexes have travelled together on two major overseas engagements this year.
In May, they spent three days in Nigeria, which Meghan announced was her motherland, saying the country’s people were in her DNA.
They held hands often, though on occasions during the tour Harry seemed to be following Meghan’s lead.
But witnesses say that, by the time they made their semi-royal tour to Colombia in August, Harry often looked grumpy and like a “spare”, as Meghan’s relationship with the country’s vice president, Francia Marquez, took centre stage.
He does want to spend more time in the UK, but said he can’t bring Meghan back because he doesn’t feel she is safe without an armed police presence.
Harry & Meghan 'insider'
However, in the past two weeks, Harry has appeared far happier and relaxed in New York, London and Lesotho, where Meghan has been notably absent.
He has also been reaching out to old friends in the UK, seemingly yearning after his old life.
It is, however, denied that he wishes to resume being a working royal.
An insider told The Sun: “He has been speaking to old friends and wanting to reconnect.
“He does want to spend more time in the UK, but said he can’t bring Meghan back because he doesn’t feel she is safe without an armed police presence.
“But the idea he is asking the Palace and his family to make a return to royal duty is wide of the mark.”
Harry’s father, Charles, 75, has not been in contact with his son since they spent 30 minutes together in February following the King’s cancer announcement.
And William, 42, does not appear to have spoken to his brother since the September 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth, due to Harry’s insults and mud-slinging in his six-part Netflix series and memoir, Spare.
They avoided each other at a memorial service for their late mum Diana’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes, in August.
But Harry did hire a UK-based representative to improve his reputation here.
And he hinted in an Invictus Games interview that he wants to return home more often.
Earlier this year, he and Meghan rebranded as sussex.com, with a royal crest.
But Ashley Hansen — credited with ending the couple’s personal and public attacks on the Royal Family — is now spreading her wings.
Their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left after three months.
And the pair were stung by claims in The Hollywood Reporter that some staff called Meghan “Duchess Difficult” and a “dictator in high heels”, while describing Harry as an “enabler”.
Ashley was quick to defend Meghan against the allegations to Us Weekly.
HERE'S how you can watch The Sun's Royal Exclusive Live special - where our panel of experts will spill all.
The show – which is airing to a live studio audience tonight – will be streamed on our YouTube channel tomorrow at 5pm.
If you’re desperate to know the truth about Prince William and Harry’s feud or what Kate really thinks of Prince Louis’ cheeky antics, tune into the live special.
Ticketholders get the lowdown on the Royal Family including all-things Harry and Meghan as well as William and Kate‘s continued strength amid the princess’ cancer battle.
Our expert panel includes The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, The Sun’s Royal Photographer Arthur Edwards and ex-BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
The trio will share some of their favourite stories about the Firm, lifting the lid on what it’s like to work with them, and some of their biggest scoops to date.
Guests will also get the opportunity to ask questions about what really goes on behind the doors of the palace.
Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson has covered the family for The Sun since 2020.
In a string of world exclusives, Matt revealed Harry and Meghan were evicted from Frogmore Cottage, broke the news that the Queen was secretly in hospital, revealed Kate’s shock Windsor Farmshop appearance and video and told how Prince Andrew losing his security at Royal Lodge.
Joining him will be Arthur Edwards, who has been capturing the Royal Family for 40 years, and Jennie Bond, former royal correspondent.
Royal Exclusive is our flagship royal news YouTube show, which launched at the start of this year – already amassing over 30million views.
Matt, who hosts the hit show, has previously interviewed ITV’s Chris Ship, royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Historian Gareth Russell and Historian and biographer Hugo Vickers.
The show is also a platform to discuss Matt’s scoops in more detail and gives experts to discuss stories such as Kate’s lunch with the King after her cancer diagnosis and the continued fallout with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Rather tellingly, a statement commenting on her departure was issued by Meghan, not Harry.
It said: “We are so proud of Ashley, especially as a female entrepreneur.
“We look forward to having her focused expertise on our business and creative projects and her continued oversight of our communications team.
“My husband and I are excited to be alongside Ashley as she builds something extraordinarily special with her firm.”
People mag in the US, which has a close relationship with Archewell, yesterday quoted a “friend” who described the changes in Meg and Harry’s roles as a “twin-track approach”.
They said: “An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess’s priority.
“And the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages. But there will be joint efforts around cause-driven areas of work.”
They added of the couple’s time apart: “It’s as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children.”
By Arthur Edwards Sun Royal Photographer
AFRICA has always been Prince Harry’s happy place. And while so many people in the world think the Duke of Sussex is no longer such a nice person, the herd boys of Lesotho still look on him as a hero.
I went to this landlocked country in South Africa twice with Harry when he set up the charity Sentebale with his good friend, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
It was established to teach the boys, who would venture alone into the mountains for weeks on end to look after sheep and cattle, how to read and write.
Many of the almost-feral kids travelled for two hours to attend the charity’s night school. In poor light from lanterns, they listened to the teacher, desperate to learn.
In the back room of the school, as he made me a cup of tea, Harry revealed: “This project is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
He said that the boys will still have to visit the pastures to tend the herds, but at least they could take a book with them to read.
For that visit, he took his brother, Prince William, to show him the project. They were so close then.
Now, in the latest pictures from Lesotho, Harry looks so happy to be back. He is hugging kids again and doing what he is so brilliant at.
On his past three visits to the UK, Harry has arrived without fuss or arguments then gone again.
He realises his father and his brother are still very hostile to him. But maybe, just maybe, he has come to realise that perhaps it is his fault and nobody else’s.
What happens in a family should be kept in the family, not shared with the world, especially if it’s the Royal Family.
We could be seeing the start here of something new from Harry – at least we’ve got to hope so.
UK dance music culture was shaped by a select few.
Danny Rampling was one of those pioneers and was at the forefront of acid house as it exploded, changing our cultural landscape forever. His passion endures today as dance music continues to innovate and evolve over three decades later.
Danny will be joining Rave New World author Kirk Field on his Acid House Cabaret tour of the UK when the show touches down at the Norwich Playhouse on October 29. Expect a mixture of Acid House anecdotes, socio-cultural commentary, laced with humour, musical mischief and big screen shenanigans presented by the two front line Acid House protagonists. Discover the true identity of DJ Roofrack, play Rave Family Fortunes and Have I Got Acid House News For You, embrace the absurdity of rave flyers and learn the real words to your favourite 90s dance anthems.
This week we are thrilled to continue our collaborative series of Acid House Cabaret playlists with Danny talking us through a selection of the game changing electronic music that defined a generation.
Phuture – Acid Trax
The ultimate definitive Acid Roland 303 track. Sounded at that time like nothing we’d ever heard before. The track that lit the torch paper for Acid House music. Made for strobe lights, smoke machines and fog at Shoom.
CeCe Rogers – Someday
Spiritual soulful meaningful message of peace unity and hope that perfectly encapsulates the summers of love 88/89 The Berlin wall had fallen and Apartheid was underway in South Africa. We all believed the world was changing and we were all a part of that change, there was an extraordinary wave of optimism and positivity that we were all part of and tuned into. I would love to be able to go back to that time away from all the current turmoil thats going on in the world today. Someday was the anthem of Shoom.
808 State- Pacific State
The anthem of the UK Underground and rave scene that became an international hit for Manchesters 808 State etherial dreamy instrumental latin influenced production that i’d often play at sunrise just so perfect and not over complicated as a production.
The Nightwriters – Let The Music Use You
Produced by the late great godfather of house, Frankie Knuckles’ uplifting hypnotic track, that still gives me goosebumps today. Timeless production.
Joe Smooth – Promised Land
The ultimate Chicago song about hope peace, unity. Song that became the anthem of the acid house movement.
Ten City – Way Love Is
Uplifting emotive love song that warms the soul.
S-Express – Theme From S-Express
DJ Mark Moore uplifting sample based energy track, that went straight to number one in the pop charts. Definite British house track.
Pierre’s Fantasy Club – Dream Girl
The sexiest acid house 303 production, this version was huge at Shoom . I used to mix up two copies and extend the gated synth breakdown to great dance floor effect. Timeless acid.
Royal House – Can You Party
Todd Terry 1988 sample cut up production that can only be described as a call to the dance floor. Powerful and uplifting NYC house music – this track was the anthem of the acid house and rave scene.
Frankie Knuckles – Your Love
Produced by the late great Frankie Knuckles vocals Jamie Principle, Your Love has a European synth feel, and is still so widely appreciated when played today.
TODAY The Sun launches a Winter Fuel SOS campaign to help thousands of pensioners worried about their energy bills.
More than 800,000 older people risk missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment — and other benefits they may be entitled to — because they have not first registered for Pension Credit, which unlocks access to the payment.
And the extra money will be even more welcome after this month’s ten per cent rise in the Energy Price Cap to £1,717.
But good news is at hand, with our Winter Fuel SOS crew ready to offer advice on getting all the money that is yours by right.
In her July statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that this winter, only households in England and Wales that receive Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits will be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Previously it was available to everyone aged over 66.
The decision will strip ten million pensioners of the tax-free handout.
There are just weeks left to claim, so it is essential that those who are eligible apply now.
An estimated 880,000 UK retirees could be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment yet will miss out because they did not register for Pension Credit.
We have heard from readers who cannot work out if they are able to claim the benefit.
Others have said how worried they are that they won’t get the Winter Fuel Payment this year — raising fears they won’t be able to afford to heat their homes.
We want to change that.
That’s why we have gathered together a top line-up of experts — and our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be taking your calls this Wednesday.
We want to hear from you by phone or email — and it’s fine if you are calling or messaging on behalf of a friend or relative.
Our panel includes former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb, pensions expert Baroness Ros Altmann and consumer champion Martyn James.
They will be joined by The Sun’s Head of Consumer Tara Evans and Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements.
And even if you aren’t eligible for the payment, our team will be sharing tips on how to switch energy providers and save money, get help if you’re in debt or simply need to save this winter.
Your cases will be considered by our panel, who will aim to give you advice within one week of your call or email.
Caroline Abrahams, of the charity Age UK, said: “People often think if you have some savings or a small pension there’s no point applying for Pension Credit, but that’s often not the case.
“Don’t be put off by the forms — Age UK can help.”
CALL 0800 028 1978 on WEDNESDAY or email winterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk
PENSION Credit is a weekly payment from the Government to those over the state pension age who have an income which is below a certain level.
If your claim is successful then the benefit will top up your income to £218 a week if you are single, or £11,343.80 a year.
Meanwhile, if you live as a couple, your combined income will be boosted to £332.95 a week, or £17,313.40 annually.
The money you receive in Pension Credit can be spent as you want, but it could be used to pay for food, fuel, energy or housing costs.
Retirees who receive Pension Credit are also entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 and is designed to help you pay your heating bill over the chillier months ahead.
To qualify, you must have been eligible for Pension Credit during the “qualifying week”, which was September 16-22.
But Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, which means the last date you can make a claim and still get the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21.
There are several ways to apply for Pension Credit, including making your claim online or by telephone.
To register for the payments you will need to be receiving the state pension. See gov.uk for more information.
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can help you to fill in an application form over the phone.
The lines are open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Before you call, it would be helpful to have your National Insurance number and bank account details, plus information about your pension, income and savings to hand.
To contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre call 0800 731 0160. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
You can also send a letter by post to: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
When you contact the centre you will need to tell them personal information including your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.
IF you are not eligible for Pension Credit but need help to make ends meet this winter, then there are still things you can do to save money.
You could save £162 a year by switching your gas and electricity supplier.
Around 28million homes have seen energy costs rise due to the new price cap.
On Tuesday it rose from £1,568 to £1,717 a year, which means bills are up ten per cent, or £149 a year.
This cap sets a maximum rate per unit that customers can be charged for their energy use and changes every three months.
The price cap only affects customers who are on a standard variable energy tariff, which rises or falls depending on the cost of raw energy.
Meanwhile, those who are on a fixed tariff agree in advance how much they will pay for their energy use for a whole year at a time.
A handful of suppliers are currently offering deals that are cheaper than the price cap. The current cheapest is from Outfox The Market and costs £162 less than this month’s cap.
You can reduce the amount of energy you use by lowering your thermostat, draught-proofing doors and windows and taking shorter showers to bring down your monthly costs.
Meanwhile, energy firms including EDF, British Gas and Ovo are offering customers up to £150 free to help with their bills this winter.
The help is provided through the Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme.
To be eligible, you need to be claiming certain benefits which include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits.
You do not need to apply for the cash and should receive it automatically.
Our panel of experts will be on hand to suggest other ways to save money, depending on your circumstances.
Sir STEVE WEBB: PENSIONS Minister 2010- 2015. Joined consultancy Lane Clark & Peacock in 2020 and campaigned to secure around £2billion for women underpaid the state pension.
Baroness ROS ALTMANN: EXPERT on later-life issues. Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers 2014-15. Awarded a CBE in 2014 for her work on pensions and retirement planning.
MARTYN JAMES: AN award-winning consumer rights expert, journalist and broadcaster with two decades of experience working for the UK’s leading newspapers.
JONATHAN CHESTERMAN: DEBT advice policy manager at StepChange debt charity – the largest provider of free and impartial debt guidance in UK. He will help with readers’ debt queries.
ELISE MELVILLE: ENERGY expert at comparison website uswitch.com, she cares about demystifying bill myths. Elise will be on hand to help with energy-saving tips.
BEN GALLIZZI: THE uswitch.com energy specialist is focused on helping customers to manage their home energy usage. He can suggest practical tips to help you cut your bills.
ADAM STACHURA: THE associate director for policy at the charity Age Scotland, Adam is part of a team that offers advice and tips to older people on their winter fuel issues.
FRAN McSWEENEY: HEAD of services at Independent Age, a charity supporting older people facing financial hardship. Fran and her team run a national helpline on cash issues.
EMILY SEYMOUR: AS Energy Editor for consumer group Which? since 2020, Emily has been at the forefront of its campaigns to help people manage their energy bills.
JOE RICHARDSON: DIRECTOR of operations at Octopus Energy UK. His team are responsible for looking after all aspects of the business’s award-winning customer service.
TARA EVANS: HEAD of Consumer at The Sun. She will be joined by Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements and our very own Consumer Champion Laura Purkess.
