Share Sounds presented by Sarah Pennells (1) related to Ethics & Morality

UK mums get one of the lowest amounts of decently-paid maternity leave in Europe According to research by the TUC, only Ireland and Slovakia have worse entitlements. To find out more Share Radio's Joe Aldridge spoke to Kathryn Mackridge, Equality Officer at the TUC.

From Deliveroo to Uber more and more people are getting involved in the gig economy. Whilst for many it can provide a useful income boost, thousands could be missing out on employment rights. Indeed nearly two-thirds of gig economy workers think the Government should do more to regulate according to research from The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. To find out more from the people behind the research Share Radio's Tom Hill spoke to CIPD chief economist Ian Brinkley.

Last month the Co-operative Bank put itself up for sale because it hasn't managed to improve its finances in the way it needs to. There's no immediate threat to the Co-op Bank, and the The Co-operative Bank has been at pains to say that it is not abandoning its principles. It was and is the first - and only - high street bank to have an ethical policy. But what is the future for the bank and what are the alternatives if you want to bank somewhere that does have some principles. Sarah Pennells was joined in the studio by founder of Fairer Finance James Daley, Anthony Elliot from the Fair Banking Foundation and Huw Davies, Head of Retail Banking at Triodos Bank.

Earlier this week independent energy supplier GB Energy Supply ceased trading, forcing Ofgem to step in and appoint another supplier. But what can you do and what are your rights if your supplier or bank fails? Joining Sarah are Ann Robinson, an independent energy consultant, James Walker from complaints site Resolver and Martyn James, an independent financial expert.

Tired of junk mail pouring through your front door? Sick of cold callers asking about your broken computer? Consumer expert Martyn James and John Micheson, from the Telephone Preference Service join Sarah Pennells to share top tips on how you can slow the constant stream of spam messages and cold calls.

Gender pay gap is still alive and kicking, with women earning 12% less than men. So how do you go about getting a pay rise or a promotion? Sarah Pennells is joined by Fiona Davis, Director for Women in Retail; Penny Parker, from Laurence Simons; and Vanessa Vallely, founder of WeAreTheCity and WeAreTheCity. Together, the guests discuss why women are less likely to ask for a pay rise, and why they are reluctant to come forward.

A survey by the government found that 45% of people over 45 knew nothing about a lasting power of attorney and, when they were told about what it was, over 60% said they weren't interested in setting one up. An ongoing power of attorney lets you manage someone else's money when they're unable to do so. What can you do if your elderly relative is struggling to manage their own money? What are the rules if you want to open an account for your child or grandchild? Sarah Pennells is joined by David Steele, Policy Manager of Financial Services at Age UK and George McNamara, Head of Policy at the Alzheimer's Society, to discuss these issues.

As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, Sarah Pennells and her guests look at the legal and financial aspects of funerals and why those arrangements can still be a taboo subject. Poppy Mardall, from Poppy's Funerals, and Gemma O'Driscoll, Funeral Director at G.E O’Driscoll & Daughters, discuss different types of funerals available and how funeral directors can offer help and support. Toby Scott, from the Dying Matters Coalition, explains how you can take part in the debate, and Rod Smith from Stone King Solicitors and part of the Law Society Wills and Equity Committee looks at wills and how to take care of them.

An increasing number of people are choosing to live together, rather than get married or form a civil partnership. But, while it’s becoming more commonplace, the legal status of cohabiting couples remains something of a mystery to most of us. Sarah Pennells is joined in the studio by Mary Marvel of Advicenow and Law for Life, Paula Myers, a lawyer with Irwin Mitchell, and over the phone by Christine Webber, a writer, broadcaster and psychotherapist, to discuss the various different issues moving in with a partner can have, and how best to deal with them.

On 1st October 2015, new legislation to protect and clarify consumer rights comes into force. Sarah is joined in the studio by James Walker, CEO of Resolver, and Martyn James from the Financial Ombudsman's Service, to answer your questions about consumer rights, what they are, and how they apply in different situations.