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Families have been told to leave early for their Christmas vacation as National Highways employees begin their strike today, ushering in several days of transport havoc.

In a dispute over wages, employees of the government company that runs and maintains the largest roads in the United Kingdom have walked off the job and will not return until Boxing Day.

Despite the fact that national strikes do not begin until Christmas Eve, industrial action by union members will cripple the rail network, with some trains scheduled to stop running on Friday.

In addition to the turmoil on the roads, individuals attempting to enter or exit the nation during the holiday season will have difficulties, as Border Force employees will be on strike for eight days before the New Year beginning tomorrow.

National Highways traffic officers are on strike till after Christmas due to a pay disagreement.

In the coming days, millions of Britons will take to the roadways to visit family and friends throughout the holiday season.

The combined actions are expected to make the upcoming days exceptionally challenging for millions of travelers traveling to visit family for the holidays.

It follows a week in which nurses and ambulance workers went on strike due to a dispute between their unions and the government over pay, causing more disruption to the National Health Service.

Experts on travel have recommended people to begin their Christmas travels as early as possible in order to minimize disruptions.

Simon Calder stated on Good Morning Britain, “I’ve never had a Christmas with so much travel stress.”

My recommendation is to begin as early as possible.

“By the end of the week and on Christmas Day, the roads will be extremely congested and extremely difficult to navigate.

The railways, however, will cease operations either Friday night or early Saturday morning.

Traffic cops and regional operational centre employees in London and south-east England have walked off the job as a result of today’s action by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.

National Highways, formerly known as Highways England, develops, designs, constructs, and maintains the busiest routes in the United Kingdom, including motorways and a number of A roads.

The AA predicts that 20 million automobile trips will be made in the days leading up to Christmas Day as a result of strike action on the railroads.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, stated, ‘We are aware that our action is likely to inconvenience travelers, but even as we escalate it before Christmas, we remind people that this dispute could be settled today [yesterday] if the government offers more money.

Our members inform us that they must reduce their Christmas spending since they are running out of money. They have been offered a pay raise below inflation at a time when inflation is above 10%.’

After Christmas, National Highways strikes will continue on December 30, when traffic cops in the West Midlands and south-west England engage in industrial action. On January 6, it will hit the East Midlands and eastern England.

On January 3 and 4, all PCS members who work as traffic officers on National Highways will go on strike.

The AA forecasts that 20 million motor trips will take place in the days leading up to Christmas Day, causing considerable disruption on the roads. The M25 in Dartford, Kent, is pictured.

People traveling via airports in the coming days may encounter significant delays due to a strike by Border Force personnel.

RMT members, pictured here in front of Euston Station, will go on strike on Christmas Eve.

Tomorrow, Border Force employees represented by the PCS union will go on strike, adding to the pandemonium.

Approximately 1,000 employees at Britain’s airports, ports, and Channel Tunnel will go on strike from December 23 to 26 and again from December 28 to 31.

The government has drafted members of the Armed Forces to fill in during the strike, which will impact Heathrow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, and Manchester airports, as well as the port of Newhaven, East Sussex.

Despite this, travelers are still advised to anticipate disruptions and delays on their journeys, with passport control lines possibly becoming so long that people are delayed on planes.

Steve Dann, chief operational officer of the Border Force, stated, ‘Border Force’s first priority is maintaining the safety and security of our borders, and we will not compromise on this. It cannot be negotiated.

Border Force has been conducting considerable planning in anticipation of the strike action for a number of months. We have been working with the travel sector and continue to work closely with all UK ports to assess the impact of the news on the traveling public.

We have solid systems in place to minimize delays for passengers, but we’ve made it abundantly clear from the outset that individuals must be prepared for disruptions and take proactive steps to plan ahead.

On Christmas Eve, they will be joined by bus drivers and rail employees, the latter of whom have already caused months of disruption in their dispute with the government.

In addition, rail workers are scheduled to go on strike from December 24 to 29 over their ongoing salary and benefits dispute.

Rail workers will go on strike from December 24 to December 29 as they continue to demand inflation-beating wage increases and assurances on working conditions.

As early as 8 a.m. on Christmas Eve, the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) strike will cause some trains to stop running.

In some areas of the country, rail executives are recommending families to leave the day before Christmas if they want to guarantee seeing their loved ones.

The last train from Edinburgh to London will depart at 8 a.m., while the last train in the reverse way will depart at 11 a.m.

The last train from the capital to Newcastle will depart at 11 a.m., while the last train in the opposite direction will depart at 10.22 a.m. The last London-Liverpool train will depart at 12:34 p.m., and the last London-Leeds train will depart at 12:03.

The last train from London to Glasgow will depart at 12:22 pm, while the last train in the opposite way will depart at 10:40 am. The last London-Manchester train will depart at 12:48 pm, and the last London-Birmingham train will depart at 1:03 pm. No direct trains will operate between the capital and Sheffield or Nottingham.

It disproves the assertions of RMT chief Mick Lynch, who stated that his union’s strike on Christmas Eve would have little effect on travelers because it wouldn’t begin until 6 p.m., when numerous engineering works began on the network.

Members of the union will go on strike from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve until 6 a.m. on December 27.

Andrew Haines, the CEO of Network Rail, stated: “RMT claims that their planned strike action during the holiday season is “not targeting Christmas” would be ridiculous if the repercussions weren’t so unpleasant for so many people.

“I am very sorry that our passengers must suffer the burden of the RMT’s unnecessary strike action when a fair offer is on the table and just one-third of the workforce has rejected it. Two of our three unions have already accepted, therefore the RMT must reconsider.

This year, a staggering amount has been paid to cybercriminals by Australians who have fallen victim to con artists.

Almost one-third of Australians have fallen victim to a financial scam, according to data from RateCity.com.au.

Two-and-a-half-hundred-and-nine percent of one thousand respondents polled claimed to having been victimized by credit card hacking, identity theft, or being duped into turning over money.

Australians have given fraudsters $526,3 million in 2022, according to the ACCC.

How to avoid becoming a victim of fraud

Be aware that there are cons:

keep an eye out for them
Always know who you are speaking with.

If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.

If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of an offer, do not finish the transaction or provide personal information.

Check the company’s registration status using the ABN lookup website. Read customer reviews and seek for symptoms of a possible scam.

Use a credit card instead of a debit card or bank transfer so you can request a chargeback from your bank.

Customers claim that imposters posing as Woolworths are seeking personal information.

In the past year, Australians have given fraudsters $526,3 million, a staggering 88 percent rise from the same period in 2021.

According to Scamwatch of the ACCC, in 2021 only $266,7 million were defrauded.

Sally Tindall, head of research at RateCity.com.au, advises people to be particularly careful with their finances during the holidays.

Scammers don’t take vacations, so even while it’s a fantastic time to kick back and relax, folks should be vigilant regarding scams.

“Think before you send a text message, email, or social media post,” she advises.

Australians who are interested in Boxing Day bargains should also be mindful of who they provide their financial information to.

Ms. Tindall explains, “The post-Christmas sales can be a terrific time to score a deal, but it’s also an ideal time for con artists to take advantage of people.”

“Assume nothing when shopping online.” Is it a site that I know and trust? Is the method of payment secure? Is the website requesting unnecessary personal or financial information?

“If something seems suspect, close your browser and exit the site.”

‘Regularly review your bank statements and report any unusual transactions. Frequently, it’s just a store with an unusual name, but it’s preferable to feel momentarily foolish for questioning it than to risk losing thousands of dollars.

Optus customers were cautioned to be careful against scammers after their personal information was exposed in massive computer breaches.

In 2022, there were 66,649 incidents of phishing, a method in which a fraudster sends a phony message to mislead a victim into divulging vital information. This strategy has proven to be particularly effective for scammers.

The strategy may involve emails or texts that appear to be from a legitimate company or a loved one in danger.

Australians have claimed $351,6 million in financial losses due to investment fraud.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, notify your bank immediately so it can stop any outstanding transactions and freeze your account.

It’s the kind of meteoric ascension you hear about in the movies: A pair of British brothers drop out of school and begin selling music festival tickets from the trunk of their car, before their business becomes a $800 million global events empire.

For a decade, it appeared that Callum and Liam Negus-Fancey, ages 32 and 29, had nowhere to go but up, as their’revolutionary’ peer-to-peer marketing firm StreetTeam grew, in part due to a funding injection from the UK government’s Future Fund, funded by British taxpayers.

By the year 2020, they were not only selling tickets to other festivals, but also hosting their own events at prestigious sites such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort in Mexico.

The Negus-Fancey brothers had raised over $200,000,000 from venture capitalists by 2022.

But in August of this year, the company fell bankrupt practically overnight, owing millions of dollars in outstanding reimbursements to vendors and customers.

Callum (right) and Liam (left) Negus-Fancey (pictured together), ages 32 and 29, saw their’revolutionary’ peer-to-peer marketing firm StreetTeam go from strength to strength over the course of a decade, thanks in part to a cash injection from the UK government’s Future Fund, funded by British taxpayers.

Chief Revenue Officer Liam (shown) posted photographs of IV drips used to treat hangovers on social media.

In 2021, Justin Bieber plays at XS Nightclub as part of Pollen’s three-day event.

Callum was a 17-year-old A-level student of economics, philosophy, and politics when he decided to quit school to establish his own business.
Before forming a firm with his brother, he organized raves and parties for 16 to 18-year-olds at night, following in the footsteps of his father, who also worked in the events industry.

The organization, formerly called Physical Network, helps move event tickets by asking young ‘ambassadors’, typically between the ages of 16 and 25, to sell them to their friends in exchange for perks and experiences arranged with the event organizers.

The firm flourished, and the brothers rebranded as Verve in 2014, under the auspices of London-based StreetTeam Software Limited, which bundled music-festival tickets with stays in luxury hotels.

In 2018, the company changed its name from Verve to Pollen, expanded to Poland and the United States, and opened offices in Los Angeles.

They collaborated with music industry heavyweights such as Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, and Scooter Braun.

In 2019, Forbes included the brothers on its Europe 30 under 30 list.

Jaden Smith, the stage name of singer Jaden Smith, performs at XS Nightclub in October as part of a three-day event organized by Pollen.

Employees at Pollen described Callum (above) as a “hard worker” and a “hustler.” In an open letter to colleagues that he published on LinkedIn, he explained that he was expelled from six schools and labeled a “underachiever,” which caused him to “detest learning.” He stated that he desired to establish a workplace where “everyone feels like they belong”

The Negus-Fancey brothers had raised over $200 million from venture capitalists by 2022. (pictured The Vamps performing at a Pollen event)

Pollen staff referred to Callum as a “hustler” and a “workhorse.” In an open letter to colleagues that he published on LinkedIn, he explained that he was expelled from six schools and labeled a “underachiever,” which caused him to “detest learning.” He stated that he desired to establish a workplace where “everyone feels like they belong”

According to former employees, his brother Liam was the chief revenue officer and was rarely seen at the office. In a social media post, he was seen hooked up to a drip with the phrase, “What hangover?”

A former neighbor of Liam told MailOnline, “He was a decent enough guy in person, but he became a terrible neighbor by playing loud music around the clock and having little concern for people with jobs to get to.” I am pleased he has left.

Insider said that Pollen employees alleged a ‘frat party’ culture existed at the company. One employee told the publication that she was given mimosas on her first day, while another said that shots were administered around 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.

‘Lock-in’ parties were allegedly organized at ice rinks and karaoke bars, with workers claiming they were an opportunity to ‘become utterly wasted.’ A firm representative told Insider that alcohol was exclusively supplied to persons of legal drinking age.

Now, it appears that the brothers have fallen victim to yet another tech bubble, after a 300 percent increase in sales in 2021, driven by the removal of Covid limitations, gave investors maybe mistaken confidence.

According to a presentation obtained by Insider, in April investors invested $150 million in Pollen, valuing the company at $800 million, and the company is aiming for $1 billion in gross bookings by 2023.

Pollen filed into bankruptcy just four months later, despite generating $100 million in sales between September 2021 and March 2022, according to a Pollen spokesman.

Former employees allege that Liam Negus-Fancey (pictured) and his brother threw lavish parties while running their firm into the ground.

Callum Negus-Fancey launched Verve, a company that packaged music festival tickets and luxury resort stays.

In April, investors invested $150 million in Pollen, valuing the company at $800 million (Event posted on Pollen’s Instagram).

According to papers and staff and customer testimony, Pollen appears to have sustained long-term damage from a succession of cancelled events between 2020 and 2022, which caused its refunds and debts to venues to skyrocket. The company’s most recent public reports reveal a £30 million loss in 2020.

Two months before filing for bankruptcy, the company allegedly spent £52,776 on a villa in Ibiza for 20 employees for eight weeks in May of this year. Callum’s expenditure report lists the apartment as ‘accommodation and entertainment for key clients,’ which Pollen claims was used “exclusively for work purposes.”

A few days after the expense was incurred, his brother Liam wed his girlfriend on the Spanish party island.

However, perhaps investors could have sounded the alarm after Pollen’s Departure Festival debacle in January of this year, just three months before to handing out $150 million.

In images reminiscent of the now-infamous Fyre Festival, the seven-day festival on the shores of Playa del Carmen in Mexico promised performances by seventy musicians on four custom-built stages, each valued at $300,000.

In images reminiscent of the now-infamous Fyre Festival, the seven-day Departure Festival on the sands of Playa del Carmen in Mexico offered performances by seventy musicians on four custom-built stages, each valued at $300,000.

In the weeks preceding the cancellation of Departure Festival, the Omicron variety had been sweeping through the region.

However, attendees asserted that they were advised on opening day that the Departure Festival would begin a day later than scheduled, before it was canceled the following morning due to an increase of Covid-19 cases.

In the weeks preceding to the cancellation, the Omicron variety had swept through the region.

Cyrus Keefer, a TikTok user who had hoped to attend the festival, lamented, ‘It was as if it had never existed…

The box office where we obtained our wristbands has disappeared. The stages, the staff, and the crew have disappeared.

More than 4,000 individuals had purchased tickets for the event by early November, with some saying they had not received refunds.

A Pollen spokesman told Insider that all 4,028 ticket purchasers received refunds, and that those who did not must have had a ‘problem on the customer’s side. They stated that Pollen incurred all expenses.

Covid also cancelled Pollen’s Golden Sand festival in Mexico during the same month, which included 50 Cent, Fat Joe, and Lil’ Kim as headliners.

A concert featuring reggaeton superstar J Balvin was postponed until June but ultimately canceled, as were 39 of the 360 concerts produced by Pollen in the preceding year.

A Pollen official stated, “It is always a challenging choice to cancel one of our Experiences.” We never want to disappoint our consumers, the local community, or our business partners whose livelihoods would be affected by a cancellation.

Just weeks after obtaining $150 million in funding, Pollen eliminated over 200 positions (pictured: Pollen event)

Bloomberg stated that since the outbreak of the pandemic, the company’s refund requests had cost them more than $75 million. By July, it owed the Grand Oasis Cancun and Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World around $3.6 million and $1 million, respectively.

Just weeks after obtaining $150 million in funding, Pollen eliminated over 200 positions. Experts in the tech industry speculated that the mass layoffs may have been a cost-cutting strategy proposed by investors as part of their agreement. The company had hired around 400 employees in total.

In August, the company was served with a petition to dissolve.

The order was issued by 101 Ways Limited’s creditors, according to the website of HM Tribunals. Pollen informed the Telegraph that the debt had been settled, and a court official confirmed that the petition was subsequently withdrawn.

In the same month, an agency claimed on LinkedIn that Pollen owed it £24,000 after the company delayed its July payroll.

Callum Negus-Fancey is believed to have informed colleagues in August, ‘I’m afraid I don’t have any significant news to provide at this time. I understand the impact this has and I’m sorry I can’t provide additional information.

In a statement released in August, the company explained: ‘Despite strong growth since Streetteam Software Ltd.’s inception eight years ago, the knock-on effects of COVID-19 over the last two years, which decimated much of the travel sector, together with the tech stock crash and current consumer uncertainty as a result of global economic conditions, put too much pressure on the business at a critical stage of a scale-maturity.’ up’s

Pollen has been approached by MailOnline for comment.