Union officials in Dumfries and Galloway have received “a lot” of complaints after about 1,000 council staff got letters outlining wage cuts. The cuts are part of “single status” plans to address equal pay issues.
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Further operation cancellations and delays are expected in hospitals around the country as the work-to-rule by nurses enters its third day. The unions are threatening work stoppages in one week’s time if their demands for a 35-hour working week and a 10% pay increase are not met.
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IVF clinics could see their multiple birth rates capped under plans being considered by the fertility watchdog. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is considering sanctions for clinics that produce too many multiple births as part of its drive to cut the number of twin pregnancies.
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Following the launch last week of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), a new survey* shows how widely their influence and responsibilities are being developed within English top tier local authorities.
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A Coalition of Scots anti-poverty and kids’ charities has heavily criticised the energy regulator, Ofgem. The coalition has turned its attention on Ofgem because of what it sees as its continuing failure to protect vulnerable consumers from debt.
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Negotiations between the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Health Service Executive on a revised contract for consultants have resumed. The talks take place against the backdrop of a threat by the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to impose a new contract, and proceed with the appointment of 300 consultants on an interim salary if an agreement is not reached by 17 April.
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Offenders are escaping punishment for breaking their community penalties because probation staff are not following Home Office guidelines, according to a watchdog report. The prosecution of offenders for breaching their community punishments is being ended simply on the grounds that a file on the case is not ready.
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The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has announced the publication of its 2007-08 Business Plan after extensive consultation with employers, the children’s workforce, its Board and children, young people and families.
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A catalogue of “basic failings” led to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that killed seven people, a report says. Another 180 people were infected in Barrow, Cumbria, in 2002 because of a faulty air conditioning system at the council-run Forum 28 arts centre.
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The umbrella body for youth clubs in North Yorkshire has won a £450,000 contract to support the voluntary sector. North Yorkshire Youth, which was called Youth Clubs North Yorkshire until this month, will be given £150,000 a year by North Yorkshire County Council for the next three years to provide support and advice on the setting up and running of youth clubs.
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