Other News In Brief

Euro Leaders Meet As Bond Discussions Continue

Italy's new premier has begun his first talks with Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Nicolas Sarkozy, over the European debt crisis. At the meeting in Strasbourg Mario Monti will discuss Italy's economy and wider eurozone issues with the leaders of Europe's two largest economies. This week, Germany rejected an idea supported by much of Europe to issue bonds for the whole of the eurozone instead of individual countries.

Pension Strikes Could Costs Jobs - Ministers

Public sector strikes next week could lead to job losses, according to ministers. The Treasury made the estimate based on lower public sector output and knock-on effect on the private sector, saying the cost to the UK economy could be £500 million. The PM's spokesman said there was "no question" large-scale strikes over pension changes would hit the economy. More than two million workers are expected to join the 'day of action' on 30 November. The government and unions are still at loggerheads over pension changes, despite months of negotiations.

Cable Opens Composites Centre

A multi-million pound composites centre was opened today by Business Secretary Vince Cable in Bristol. The National Composites Centre is a new 8500m2 building offering laboratory space for business to develop new products. It is also one of seven research and technology facilities, which form the High Value Manufacturing technology and innovation centre. The Bristol city-region is already at the forefront of composites development, both as an international research hub and as a world-leading manufacturing base. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Here in the UK we are very good at invention, but we need to do more to innovate and turn our ideas into products and jobs. I don’t want the UK to miss out on any opportunities to create economic growth through manufacturing. This centre will work with our world class universities and international businesses based in the South West and across the UK, to develop and commercialise new technologies. Its work will strengthen our manufacturing sector, exploiting the next generation of advanced composites materials and helping maintain our global lead in this technology area. I look forward to seeing what they produce.”

(DW)