The Christmas pantomime season is finally under way in the UK after the end of a month-long coronavirus lockdown.
This picture gallery shows cast members from York Theatre Royal's Travelling Pantomime performing Jack and the Beanstalk to a young audience in York, England.
Members of the crowd will be asked to choose between three different pantos: Dick Whittington; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; and the aforementioned family favourite.
The show will tour York's 21 wards and will appear in community centres, schools, sports and church halls until December 23.
Britain ended its lockdown on Wednesday, allowing the return of audiences to theatres and stadiums – albeit with capacity significantly reduced and Covid restrictions strictly enforced.
Pantomimes are a family Christmas tradition in Britain and are popular for their slapstick humour and audience participation.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
