Cameron Announces Vocational Training Changes

The Prime Minister has announced changes to the vocational training sector, to allow businesses to shape the curriculums. The £250 million plan will mean businesses will design, develop and purchase vocational training. The Government said the move is designed to "boost economic growth" and ensure that the UK workforce has skills businesses require. In the New Year employers will be invited to bid for a share of the new £250 million government fund to invest in the training. David Cameron said: “I know times are tough – especially for young people – who are trying to get their foot in the door and launch their career. That is why I am determined to do all that we can to give people the very best skills, training and opportunities to succeed; and why despite tough spending decisions we are investing in record number of apprenticeships. “We are seeing an incredible take up of these apprenticeship places. I want that to continue, which is why we are taking action to make it easier to take on apprentices, and now we are giving employers the power to take control of the training so that it best meets the skills they need. “I hope this radical new approach will encourage even more employers to take on apprentices and ensure that the UK workforce has the skills we need to boost growth.” The Government expects to issue a formal prospectus on the fund jointly with UKCES early in 2012 so that projects can begin later in the year.

Man cleared Over Facebook Riot 'Joke'

A man accused of posting messages on Facebook to "incite looting" during this summer's riots has been cleared by a jury. Nathan Sinden, 27, of St Leonards, East Sussex, denied intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of burglary, at Hove Crown Court. Mr Sinden had written on his Facebook page: "Let's start a riot in Hastings. Who's on it?" Jurors heard Mr Sinden told police in interview that he was "joking" and had not intended to incite trouble. His friend Clinton Smith told the court "I took it as a joke straight away" but prosecutors claimed Mr Sinden was not joking.

Shooting Incident In East London

Officers from London's anti-gang operation are appealing for witnesses following a shooting in east London. Police were alerted by a member of the public at 1.53pm on Monday 14 November to a man shot in High Road, Woodford Green. The victim, aged 24, was taken by ambulance to an east London hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. He remains in a critical condition. Detectives from Trident are leading the investigation. Anyone witnesses or anyone with information on the incident should call officers on 020 8217 7355 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(DW)