01/10/2012
Other News In Brief
Stop Smoking Campaign Begins
October 1 sees the beginning of Stoptober; a campaign to encourage British smokers to kick the habit by giving up for 28 days.
The campaign, backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, is the first mass quit attempt in the UK.
Research shows people who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.
People who want to give up can avail of free support from the Stoptober team. There is a mobile phone app which offers advice and support and monitors quitters’ progress.
The Department of Health says smoking is the biggest cause of premature death in England and accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK each year.
One in two long-term smokers will die from a smoking-related disease.
Top Gear Did Breach Guidelines
A comparison of people with facial disfigurements to the design of camper vans by presenters of the popular motoring programme Top Gear did breach guidelines.
An episode of the BBC Two show broadcast on 5 February, in which presenter Jeremy Clarkson called facial growths “really ugly things” had been under investigation by the BBC Trust.
A previous inquiry by the broadcaster found the show in question had not breached guidelines, but an appeal has now reversed that decision.
It found the show had played on a "stereotypically negative reaction" and ruled remarks about not wanting to talk to the camper van at a party were "not editorially justified".
The remarks were brought to the attention of the Trust after a member of the public said he had found them "offensive, prejudicial and unacceptable".
Scottish 'Oyster Card' Plans Revealed
The Scottish government has announced its backing of a cross-network, Scotland-wide travel card which will work in a similar fashion to London’s Oyster Card.
The new "Saltire Card" can be used on trains, buses, ferries, subway and trams.
Backers of the scheme have claimed it could make travel easier and cheaper.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Saltire Card will be a hugely exciting development for transport in Scotland and will help us achieve a truly world-class public transport network.
"It will make it easier, more attractive and possibly cheaper for people to get around using public transport and will help further connect our cities."
Minimum Wage Change In Effect
The new minimum wage and VAT changes come into effect today, meaning a rise in the salaries of low-paid workers.
The changes include an increase in the UK minimum wage from £6.08 to £6.19 an hour. The government announced in March that minimum wage would rise by 11p.
The rate for those aged under 21 remains unchanged.
VAT will now be levied on sports drinks and hairdressers' chairs, meaning people within those professions are likely to see their tax bill increase.
The change to the minimum wage represents a 1.8% increase, but is still lower than the typical rise in earnings and the current rate of inflation.
(IT)
October 1 sees the beginning of Stoptober; a campaign to encourage British smokers to kick the habit by giving up for 28 days.
The campaign, backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, is the first mass quit attempt in the UK.
Research shows people who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.
People who want to give up can avail of free support from the Stoptober team. There is a mobile phone app which offers advice and support and monitors quitters’ progress.
The Department of Health says smoking is the biggest cause of premature death in England and accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK each year.
One in two long-term smokers will die from a smoking-related disease.
Top Gear Did Breach Guidelines
A comparison of people with facial disfigurements to the design of camper vans by presenters of the popular motoring programme Top Gear did breach guidelines.
An episode of the BBC Two show broadcast on 5 February, in which presenter Jeremy Clarkson called facial growths “really ugly things” had been under investigation by the BBC Trust.
A previous inquiry by the broadcaster found the show in question had not breached guidelines, but an appeal has now reversed that decision.
It found the show had played on a "stereotypically negative reaction" and ruled remarks about not wanting to talk to the camper van at a party were "not editorially justified".
The remarks were brought to the attention of the Trust after a member of the public said he had found them "offensive, prejudicial and unacceptable".
Scottish 'Oyster Card' Plans Revealed
The Scottish government has announced its backing of a cross-network, Scotland-wide travel card which will work in a similar fashion to London’s Oyster Card.
The new "Saltire Card" can be used on trains, buses, ferries, subway and trams.
Backers of the scheme have claimed it could make travel easier and cheaper.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Saltire Card will be a hugely exciting development for transport in Scotland and will help us achieve a truly world-class public transport network.
"It will make it easier, more attractive and possibly cheaper for people to get around using public transport and will help further connect our cities."
Minimum Wage Change In Effect
The new minimum wage and VAT changes come into effect today, meaning a rise in the salaries of low-paid workers.
The changes include an increase in the UK minimum wage from £6.08 to £6.19 an hour. The government announced in March that minimum wage would rise by 11p.
The rate for those aged under 21 remains unchanged.
VAT will now be levied on sports drinks and hairdressers' chairs, meaning people within those professions are likely to see their tax bill increase.
The change to the minimum wage represents a 1.8% increase, but is still lower than the typical rise in earnings and the current rate of inflation.
(IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
05 September 2014
Green Party Calls For £10 Minimum Wage
The Green Party is calling for a £10 minimum wage for everyone by 2020. The party believes every worker over the age of 16 should be paid at least the minimum wage and would abolish the age-based differential rates currently in place. Raising the minimum wage to living wage levels would benefit an estimated 5.
Green Party Calls For £10 Minimum Wage
The Green Party is calling for a £10 minimum wage for everyone by 2020. The party believes every worker over the age of 16 should be paid at least the minimum wage and would abolish the age-based differential rates currently in place. Raising the minimum wage to living wage levels would benefit an estimated 5.
01 October 2008
Scottish Government Continues Quest For 'Smoke-Free Scotland'
On the first anniversary of raising the legal age to buy cigarettes, Public Health Minister Shona Robison pledged there will be no let-up in the Scottish Government's drive to make Scotland smoke-free. Since October 1 last year, shopkeepers have been banned from selling cigarettes to under 18s.
Scottish Government Continues Quest For 'Smoke-Free Scotland'
On the first anniversary of raising the legal age to buy cigarettes, Public Health Minister Shona Robison pledged there will be no let-up in the Scottish Government's drive to make Scotland smoke-free. Since October 1 last year, shopkeepers have been banned from selling cigarettes to under 18s.
06 April 2006
Possible refunds for holiday camp staff
Staff working for holiday camps such as Butlins could be refunded pay after they were charged for electricity in their accommodation. The GMB union said that around 20,000 employees, working for Butlins, Haven Holidays and British Holiday in 50 camps across the UK might be eligible for refunds.
Possible refunds for holiday camp staff
Staff working for holiday camps such as Butlins could be refunded pay after they were charged for electricity in their accommodation. The GMB union said that around 20,000 employees, working for Butlins, Haven Holidays and British Holiday in 50 camps across the UK might be eligible for refunds.
31 May 2005
Stop smoking help services to be extended
The government has announced plans to increase NHS Stop Smoking Services, so that people can access them from supermarkets and pubs as well as healthcare facilities.
Stop smoking help services to be extended
The government has announced plans to increase NHS Stop Smoking Services, so that people can access them from supermarkets and pubs as well as healthcare facilities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.