Are you sitting uncomfortably? | Letter

Creating a network of public seating at regular intervals can hugely increase the independent mobility of people who need to sit and rest frequently. This sometimes means bench positioning can mystify those who don’t actually need them (Emma Beddington, 16 February).But sometimes, complainants are just plain mischievous. I was involved in improvements in the heart of Windermere, Cumbria, a few years back, when a complaint was made that a bench facing a butcher’s shop window “may distress vegetarians”. In truth, of course, the bench was very much welcomed – especially by those needing to rest their plates of meat

UK manufacturing still beset by low orders and price pressure, says CBI

British manufacturing orders remain well below average and price pressure continues to persist, according to a closely watched survey.The CBI industrial trends survey found that manufacturers’ orders for the month were below average in February, while most firms expected to raise their prices and for output to decline over the next three months.The survey compiled by the Confederation of British Industry adds to a mixed picture for the UK economy since the start of the year. Households are feeling “dismal” about their finances, while companies have been cutting staff amid rising cost pressures. However, some business surveys have suggested a rise in optimism among companies since the start of the year after uncertainty over the government’s autumn budget lifted

US builds website that will allow Europeans to view blocked content

The US has built a portal that will allow Europeans to view blocked content including alleged hate speech and terrorism, according to Reuters.The portal, “freedom.gov”, will allow worldwide users to circumvent government controls on their content. The site features a graphic of a ghostly horse galloping above the Earth, and the motto: “Information is power. Reclaim your human right to free expression

Accenture ‘links staff promotions to use of AI tools’

Accenture has reportedly started tracking staff use of its AI tools and will take this into consideration when deciding on top promotions, as the consulting company tries to increase uptake of the technology by its workforce.The company told senior managers and associate directors that being promoted to leadership roles would require “regular adoption” of artificial intelligence, according to an internal email seen by the Financial Times.The consultancy has also begun collecting data on weekly log-ins to its AI tools by some senior staff members, the FT reports.Accenture has previously said it has trained 550,000 of its 780,000-strong workforce in generative AI, up from only 30 people in 2022, and has announced it is rolling out training to all of its employees as part of its annual $1bn (£740m) annual spend on learning.Among the tools whose use will reportedly be monitored is Accenture’s AI Refinery

Winter Olympics 2026: GB men in curling semi-final, figure skating and more – live

We’re back with the curling.GB chasing Switzerland in the 6th end. They’re 4-3 down.In the other semi-final Norway have opened up a 3-1 lead over Canada.My chance to send a reminder – if you fancy joining Beau’s coverage of the women’s ice hockey final, you can do here: My colleague Beau is keen for me to remind our dear readers that Cassie Sharpe is a legend

Winter Olympics women’s ice hockey final: USA v Canada – live

USA 0-1 Canada, 17:30, 3rd period: We should call this end-to-end stuff now. This won’t end 1-0.USA 0-1 Canada, 18:30, 3rd period: It’s a brighter start for the USA. Has Harvey come off the ice at all?USA 0-1 Canada, 19:38, 3rd period: “They’re looking for offense,” commentators say of the USA. Indeed