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30/09/2010
Other UK News In Brief
Applications Numbers Down For UK Asylum
Recent figures indicate a substantial fall in the number of people who sought asylum in the UK this year. There has been a 23.6% fall between May and July, compared to the same time last year. A total of 7,030 asylum seekers and their dependants made applications in May-July 2009, with that total dropping to 5,370 this year. Damian Green, Immigration Minister, said: "Asylum figures are at a low level, but there is still more work to be done.” During the same period, the Home Office data also revealed the number of applications without dependents fell by 22.8% from 5,595 to 4,320. The government is legally bound to provide the figures to the European Union's statistical office Eurostat.
Inquiry Ordered On Humber Bridge Tolls Application
A public inquiry on proposals to increase the Humber Bridge tolls has been ordered by the Government. The Department for Transport has received an application from the Humber Bridge Board to increase the tolls on the bridge effective from 1 April 2011. Given the likelihood of objections to the proposals the Government has decided to order a public inquiry immediately. Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker MP said: "We know that there is a great deal of interest in the tolls on the Humber Bridge, and that a variety of individuals, businesses and local groups are likely to have views on the Bridge Board's proposals. It is only right that any parties with an interest are able to put forward their objections at a public inquiry. That is why we have decided to proceed directly to the public inquiry stage where the case for and against any increase can be heard in full."
Unhealthy Lifestyle Affects Productivity
An unhealthy lifestyle reduces an employee’s productivity and bumps up the amount and length of sick leave taken, suggests research published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Dutch researchers base their findings on more than 10,500 workers employed at 49 commercial and public sector companies, between 2005 and 2009. The employees were quizzed about their lifestyles, including weight and height, underlying health, work demands and ability to work. They were also asked how productive they had been during the previous day at work, on a scale of 0 to 10, and how many days in the past 12 months they had not been able to work as a result of health problems. The results showed that 44% of workers scored below 10 on productivity for the previous day and over half (56%) had taken at least one day off because of ill health during the preceding 12 months. The prevalence of underlying ill health ranged from 3% for hereditary disease to 77% for musculoskeletal disorders. But weight was an important factor. More than eight out of 10 (83%) obese workers had at least one underlying health problem, compared with three quarters of those who were overweight and just over two thirds (69%) of those of normal weight. Lifestyle factors were associated with both loss of productivity at work and sick leave taken. The authors concluded: “More than 10% of sick leave and the higher levels of productivity loss at work may be attributed to lifestyle behaviours and obesity. Primary interventions on lifestyle may contribute to maintaining a productive workforce.”
(BMcN/GK)
Recent figures indicate a substantial fall in the number of people who sought asylum in the UK this year. There has been a 23.6% fall between May and July, compared to the same time last year. A total of 7,030 asylum seekers and their dependants made applications in May-July 2009, with that total dropping to 5,370 this year. Damian Green, Immigration Minister, said: "Asylum figures are at a low level, but there is still more work to be done.” During the same period, the Home Office data also revealed the number of applications without dependents fell by 22.8% from 5,595 to 4,320. The government is legally bound to provide the figures to the European Union's statistical office Eurostat.
Inquiry Ordered On Humber Bridge Tolls Application
A public inquiry on proposals to increase the Humber Bridge tolls has been ordered by the Government. The Department for Transport has received an application from the Humber Bridge Board to increase the tolls on the bridge effective from 1 April 2011. Given the likelihood of objections to the proposals the Government has decided to order a public inquiry immediately. Regional and Local Transport Minister Norman Baker MP said: "We know that there is a great deal of interest in the tolls on the Humber Bridge, and that a variety of individuals, businesses and local groups are likely to have views on the Bridge Board's proposals. It is only right that any parties with an interest are able to put forward their objections at a public inquiry. That is why we have decided to proceed directly to the public inquiry stage where the case for and against any increase can be heard in full."
Unhealthy Lifestyle Affects Productivity
An unhealthy lifestyle reduces an employee’s productivity and bumps up the amount and length of sick leave taken, suggests research published online in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Dutch researchers base their findings on more than 10,500 workers employed at 49 commercial and public sector companies, between 2005 and 2009. The employees were quizzed about their lifestyles, including weight and height, underlying health, work demands and ability to work. They were also asked how productive they had been during the previous day at work, on a scale of 0 to 10, and how many days in the past 12 months they had not been able to work as a result of health problems. The results showed that 44% of workers scored below 10 on productivity for the previous day and over half (56%) had taken at least one day off because of ill health during the preceding 12 months. The prevalence of underlying ill health ranged from 3% for hereditary disease to 77% for musculoskeletal disorders. But weight was an important factor. More than eight out of 10 (83%) obese workers had at least one underlying health problem, compared with three quarters of those who were overweight and just over two thirds (69%) of those of normal weight. Lifestyle factors were associated with both loss of productivity at work and sick leave taken. The authors concluded: “More than 10% of sick leave and the higher levels of productivity loss at work may be attributed to lifestyle behaviours and obesity. Primary interventions on lifestyle may contribute to maintaining a productive workforce.”
(BMcN/GK)
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17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
25 March 2011
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
09 October 2015
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
08 November 2010
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
Successful Scheme Planned For Adult Social Care
A successful scheme, which has seen children in care getting better help from independent social workers contracted to local authorities, will be extended to adult social care, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
17 August 2005
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
