Mandate trade union has welcomed the awarding of an 8% pay increase to Dunnes Stores workers.

Private bus operator Go-Ahead Ireland is to attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission in a bid to resolve a pay dispute. Earlier this week, SIPTU members employed by the company voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action.

If its opinion you’re after, the Times has this piece on why working from home is definitely here to stay, and the fundamental shift in the world of work.

Also from the Times is this analysis on the State suddenly finding itself in a good position to fund more investment.

Elsewhere, ambulance staff in five areas of England are to stage two further strikes in January. But life-threatening calls to 999, as well as the most serious emergency calls, will still be responded to.

And there were emotional scenes at Dublin Airport yesterday as families and loved ones arrived home with luggage in tow for Christmas. A Christmas choir sang carols for teary-eyed parents and grandparents as family members arrived through the green doors of terminal two.

If it's really Zen you’re here for today, then I present ‘A Hazy Shade Of Winter' by Simon & Garfunkel. This high-intensity track from Simon & Garfunkel is all big drama and existential stress—classic themes for many of us.

But just as good as the original (some say) is The Bangles' cover, which was a mega-hit in the late '80s.

Have a happy Christmas, enjoy that well-earned break, and we'll be back in the New Year with more news.

Mehak.