Main content

DNA testing, Careworker backpay, Concrete train seats

Sales are increasing of home DNA testing kits - how much can the results be relied upon? Plus the care company shutting homes because of a backpay bill for sleeping careworkers.

A care company in Blackpool says it's shutting 5 of its care homes because they are no longer financially viable. It's believed to be the first to say it is closing services because of the bill it owes to care workers who worked 'sleep-in' shifts. Up until recently, companies paid workers a flat fee for shifts when they were allowed to sleep, but have now been told they must pay the minimum wage for all hours worked. They have been told they must also reimburse staff for shifts worked over the past six years. However the organisation that represents the sector now says it has won the right to intervene in a Court of Appeal case that will look again at this ruling.

The business of testing your DNA to find out about your family ancestry or even your health is booming. According to market research, the DNA health testing market alone is expected to triple to 拢221 million by 2022. Some kits cost more than 拢100, but some of our listeners have doubts about the accuracy of their results. We speak to an expert who gives companies feedback on how they are performing.

We take a trip on one of Govia Thameslink's new trains - which passengers have complained have seats that feel like concrete to sit on. How important is a bit of padding for your commute..?

Presented by Winifred Robinson
Produced by Natalie Donovan.

Available now

45 minutes

Chapters

  • Sleep-in Back Pay

    Care home says it's closing because of sleep-in worker backpay bill

    Duration: 09:17

  • Hard Train Seats

    Customers complain seats on Govia Thameslink's new carriages are horribly uncomfortable

    Duration: 06:04

  • DNA Tracing

    The market for home DNA kits is booming but can the results be relied upon?

    Duration: 04:29

  • Pensions Ombudsman

    Pensions Ombudsman doesn't publish results for 70% of the complaints it gets

    Duration: 06:16

  • Blackpool Housing

    How Blackpool is attempting to solve its housing problems

    Duration: 07:37

  • Economy Update

    Productivity and wage growth are up, but unemployment is also on the rise

    Duration: 03:53

Broadcast

  • Thu 22 Feb 2018 12:15

Health

Health

A selection of the best health advice and discussions from You & Yours.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

From hanging wallpaper to takeaway apps, some of our favourite features about lifestyle.