The latest unemployment figures for December 2009 shows that Spain's unemployment figure reaches 19.5%, the second highest rate in the EU countries, behind Latvia at 22.8%.
This shows an increase for Spain of 4.7% above the December 2008 level. The current figures show little difference in the percentages for males (19.6%)or females (19.4%) in the national average. However when looking at the statistics for the under 25s there is the enormous figure of 44.5%, an increase of 13.75% from the December 2008 figure of 30.8%, an increase of nearly 45% in the year. The figure for the EU for the under 25's is 21.4%
Eurostat estimates that 23.012 million men and women in the EU, of whom 15.763 million were in the euro area, were unemployed in December 2009. The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10.0% in December 2009, compared with 9.9% in November4. It was 8.2% in December 2008. The EU unemployment rate was 9.6% in December 2009, compared with 9.5% in November4. It was 7.6% in December 2008. For the euro area this is the highest rate since August 1998 and for the EU27 since the start of the series in January 2000.
Eurostat
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Now anti-terror police stop children's TV stars... for carrying glittery hairdryers
in the Mail beggars belief.
It begins:
Police questioned two children's TV presenters under anti-terrorism laws - for carrying glittery hairdryers.
Four officers swooped on Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers, who front ITV1's hit show Toonattik, while they were filming in Central London.
The pair - who were being followed by a film crew - were performing a skit on the South Bank wearing fake combat clothing and holding children's walkie-talkies, hairbrushes and brightly-coloured hairdryers.
But their outfits aroused the suspicions of patrolling police, who pulled them aside for questioning before issuing them with a warning 'under the act of terrorism'.
It follows controversy over sweeping anti-terrorism powers which have been used to stop and search professional photographers and tourists taking holiday snaps of the capital's landmarks.
Following on from the judgement that the current UK 'Stop and Search' policy is illegal, and the admission by the Kent police that the stop and search of 11-year-old twins at the Kingsnorth Climate Camp was unlawful, is it too much to expect police officers to use their common sense and interpret the meaning of the law correctly. Such action as is reported in the article does nothing but make them and their force look ridiculous.
post script:
The Guardian - Kids' TV presenters carrying hairdryers stopped under anti-terror laws.
The Telegraph - Children's television presenters stopped using anti-terrorism powers while filming
Monday, 25 January 2010
Comment by Big Brother Watch - officers have talked about selling the surveillance data to private companies.
Following on from my previous article on this subject I've become aware of an article on the Big Brother Watch website on this subject (Unmanned airborne CCTV set to monitor us from on high) by Dylan Sharpe, campaign manager of the organisation.
He makes the following comment:
An article appeared in the Daily Telegraph on the 5th January 2010 entitled (Number of crimes caught on CCTV falls by 70 per cent, Metropolitan Police admits) in which the point is made that;
As is stated in the article;
If the use for protection of the public from crime and criminals is in doubt, does that mean the main prerogative for these extra police and government eyes is for monitoring of UK citizens with the future objective of unnecessary levels of intrusion and controlof the lives of the UK citizens?
He makes the following comment:
"However, by far the most worrying part of a story that is sure to shock any right-thinking individual is the following:Is he right in what he says or is he just a scaremonger?
...officers have talked about selling the surveillance data to private companies. A prototype drone equipped with high-powered cameras and sensors is set to take to the skies for test flights later this year.
Expanding the level of surveillance in this country is bad. Doing it by sending unmanned drones into the skies to watch for petty pointless crimes like bad driving while the number of stabbings and shootings rise is worse. But to talk about selling the data these drones provide to private companies is absolutely outrageous.
If these plans succeed, not only will their use effectively turn Britain into a police state, in which every citizen can be closely monitored by those in authority, we will become a nation in fear of our government - the complete opposite of how a democracy is supposed to function."
An article appeared in the Daily Telegraph on the 5th January 2010 entitled (Number of crimes caught on CCTV falls by 70 per cent, Metropolitan Police admits) in which the point is made that;
"Prosecutions linked to CCTV have fallen in parts of Britain, raising questions about the true impact of the security cameras."The author Christopher Hope goes on to say
"Britain has the most CCTV cameras per head of any country in the world, with people said to be caught on camera as many as 300 times a day.If the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in the prevention and solving of crime is in doubt what is the benefit of police forces and other government bodies spending limited funds on these new expensive flying spies in the sky.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act to The Daily Telegraph show a 71 per cent fall in the number of crimes "in which CCTV was involved" in the Metropolitan Police area, from 416,000 in 2003/4 to 121,770 in 2008/9."
As is stated in the article;
"A report by a House of Lords committee last year found that £500 million was spent on new cameras in the 10 years to 2006, money which could have been spent on street lighting or neighbourhood crime prevention initiatives."
If the use for protection of the public from crime and criminals is in doubt, does that mean the main prerogative for these extra police and government eyes is for monitoring of UK citizens with the future objective of unnecessary levels of intrusion and controlof the lives of the UK citizens?
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Another Spy in the Sky - More surveillance by the Police
The consortium putting forward the proposal also suggested the drones could be used by councils to combat 'fly-posting, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, abnormal loads, waste management'.
In addition to the Kent Police five other police forces have signed up to the scheme, which could pave the way for countrywide adoption of the technology for surveillance, monitoring and evidence gathering.
With the UK as reportedly the country with the most surveillance cameras watching the public's every move, is there a need for more?
Is this for the protection of, or for the control of, the citizens?
More Eastern European Immigrants remain in the UK than Official Figures!
In the report entitled “The UK’s New Europeans Report “, by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which looked at the skills and employment patterns of eastern Europeans since their countries joined the European Union, the government stated that about 1.5 million workers from Eastern Europe, predominantly Poland have come to the UK since May 2004, and the number stilll resident in the UK is about 700,000.
But Prof Krystyna Iglicka, of Warsaw's Centre for International Affairs, a Polish expert on migration says claims that half of all Polish immigrants to Britain have returned home are not true. She said Poland saw no evidence of this.
Prof Iglicka told the BBC's Today programme that Polish research indicated the contrary. Official estimates for Poles working abroad rose consistently until 2008, when they fell only very slightly. "From our side this is not true," she said. "We do not see them here; we do not see them in any other different countries. Her own estimate, based on oficial figures is that about a million Polish migrants are still in Britain.
Is the estimate of the number of Eastern Europeans remaining in the UK under estimated deliberately of is it just due to inaccuracy?
Claims over Polish immigrants' return 'not true'- BBC
Claims that half of Poles have returned home from Britain 'not true', says Polish immigration expert - Mail Online
But Prof Krystyna Iglicka, of Warsaw's Centre for International Affairs, a Polish expert on migration says claims that half of all Polish immigrants to Britain have returned home are not true. She said Poland saw no evidence of this.
Prof Iglicka told the BBC's Today programme that Polish research indicated the contrary. Official estimates for Poles working abroad rose consistently until 2008, when they fell only very slightly. "From our side this is not true," she said. "We do not see them here; we do not see them in any other different countries. Her own estimate, based on oficial figures is that about a million Polish migrants are still in Britain.
Is the estimate of the number of Eastern Europeans remaining in the UK under estimated deliberately of is it just due to inaccuracy?
Claims over Polish immigrants' return 'not true'- BBC
Claims that half of Poles have returned home from Britain 'not true', says Polish immigration expert - Mail Online
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
British Expats and the (Not for Free) Spanish Healthcare System
There are two interesting articles in the Telegraph today (19th Jan.) by Peter Pallot in relation to different attitudes of British Expats in Spain to the healthcare system in Spain.
The first is entitled Spanish doctors fight expat 'freeloaders' in which he makes reference to the fact that Spanish doctors have thrown their weight behind politicians who criticise "health tourism". He makes the point that their criticism is not directed at those who register their residency status and pay taxes, but at expats in the black economy who expect to get treatment by producing a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic), which is designed for the emergency care of holidaymakers. Some of the many thousands of Britons who regularly flip between homes in Britain and Iberia are also thought to arrange trips according to where they may get the best treatment, or jump waiting lists. Politicians have been concerned about healthcare "freeloaders" for several years, but Spanish doctors have been more muted.
The second article is 'You can't go wrong if you pay your care tax' in which Peter Pallot highlights the experience of David and Gloria Newstead, both 64, who on moving to the Canaries (Spain) four years ago immediately registered with the local authority. They pay a joint sum of €264 (£234) a month for healthcare provision on the same basis as indigenous Canarians. The tax is similar to National Insurance, and also covers unemployment and some other benefits.
Having had need to use the Spanish Health Service for his wife Gloria, Mr Newstead made the comments "If you pay your tax, you can't go wrong," and "most Britons are very pleased with the health system, and he did not find the inevitable bureaucracy burdensome.
In respect of the British Expat residents of the Valencia region who are experiencing health care provision problems, refered to in the first article, and looking to, and joining, the PUMA 22 organization to try to get the Valencian Regional Government to reverse its decision to withdraw free healthcare for all, perhaps if they had taken the action similar to the Newsteads, they wouldn't have found themselves in the situation they are now.
The alternative was to have taken out private health insurance to cover the period until an entitlement exists for free healthcare in Spain under the reciprocal agreement for those receiving a state pension. I can hear the cries of 'we couldn't get full private health cover because of pre-existing illnesses'. Well in that case perhaps they could have made voluntary contributions into the Spanish system instead of relying on the special offer of free healthcare from the Valencian Government.
An offer which many of those affected by the recent withdrawal of it claim was a very major, or even the deciding, reason they decided to moved to Spain. This I believe needs to be treated with some scepticism.
Like all free offers there is always an end date due to financial costs. What was intended as an offer of free healthcare to a limited number of 'early retirees' to cover the period between the expiry of an E106 to the commencement of receipt of a state pension and entitlement through an E121, at a manageable cost level to the government, became an un-controllable expense due to the many freeloading 'non-early retirees' taking advantage of the system.
Under the current economic situation the Valencian government was bound to review the costs of the offer which had spiralled out of control. The greedy many have spoilt it for the needy few. Undoubtably the retraction of the free healthcare and the introduction of the alternative option could have been handled better. Despite the campaign by the members and supporters of PUMA 22 it is highly doubtful that the government in Valencia will return to the status quo position.
Mr Pallot makes the point that:
"The Spanish regions – which are autonomous in matters of health provision – have moved to prevent foreign nationals exploiting "free" healthcare.
The last to take this step was Valencia. Two months ago, it introduced measures by which expatriates below retirement age and not registered as employed would no longer get free access."
The first is entitled Spanish doctors fight expat 'freeloaders' in which he makes reference to the fact that Spanish doctors have thrown their weight behind politicians who criticise "health tourism". He makes the point that their criticism is not directed at those who register their residency status and pay taxes, but at expats in the black economy who expect to get treatment by producing a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic), which is designed for the emergency care of holidaymakers. Some of the many thousands of Britons who regularly flip between homes in Britain and Iberia are also thought to arrange trips according to where they may get the best treatment, or jump waiting lists. Politicians have been concerned about healthcare "freeloaders" for several years, but Spanish doctors have been more muted.
The second article is 'You can't go wrong if you pay your care tax' in which Peter Pallot highlights the experience of David and Gloria Newstead, both 64, who on moving to the Canaries (Spain) four years ago immediately registered with the local authority. They pay a joint sum of €264 (£234) a month for healthcare provision on the same basis as indigenous Canarians. The tax is similar to National Insurance, and also covers unemployment and some other benefits.
Having had need to use the Spanish Health Service for his wife Gloria, Mr Newstead made the comments "If you pay your tax, you can't go wrong," and "most Britons are very pleased with the health system, and he did not find the inevitable bureaucracy burdensome.
In respect of the British Expat residents of the Valencia region who are experiencing health care provision problems, refered to in the first article, and looking to, and joining, the PUMA 22 organization to try to get the Valencian Regional Government to reverse its decision to withdraw free healthcare for all, perhaps if they had taken the action similar to the Newsteads, they wouldn't have found themselves in the situation they are now.
The alternative was to have taken out private health insurance to cover the period until an entitlement exists for free healthcare in Spain under the reciprocal agreement for those receiving a state pension. I can hear the cries of 'we couldn't get full private health cover because of pre-existing illnesses'. Well in that case perhaps they could have made voluntary contributions into the Spanish system instead of relying on the special offer of free healthcare from the Valencian Government.
An offer which many of those affected by the recent withdrawal of it claim was a very major, or even the deciding, reason they decided to moved to Spain. This I believe needs to be treated with some scepticism.
Like all free offers there is always an end date due to financial costs. What was intended as an offer of free healthcare to a limited number of 'early retirees' to cover the period between the expiry of an E106 to the commencement of receipt of a state pension and entitlement through an E121, at a manageable cost level to the government, became an un-controllable expense due to the many freeloading 'non-early retirees' taking advantage of the system.
Under the current economic situation the Valencian government was bound to review the costs of the offer which had spiralled out of control. The greedy many have spoilt it for the needy few. Undoubtably the retraction of the free healthcare and the introduction of the alternative option could have been handled better. Despite the campaign by the members and supporters of PUMA 22 it is highly doubtful that the government in Valencia will return to the status quo position.
Mr Pallot makes the point that:
"The Spanish regions – which are autonomous in matters of health provision – have moved to prevent foreign nationals exploiting "free" healthcare.
The last to take this step was Valencia. Two months ago, it introduced measures by which expatriates below retirement age and not registered as employed would no longer get free access."
Monday, 18 January 2010
The UK's Eastern European Migrants reduce wages at the bottom end of the labour market,
On the 17 January 2010, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission which , and is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. published the first comprehensive report looking at the skills and employment patterns of Britain’s eastern European migrants.
In 2004, 10 new member states joined the European Union (EU), eight of which were eastern European countries with income levels well below the western European average The countries being Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.(often referred to as the A8). In 2007 they were joined by two other countries: Romania and Bulgaria (the A2)
About 1.5 million workers from A8 countries have come to the UK since May 2004, and the number of A8 nationals resident in the UK has increased to about 700,000.
Eastern Europeans (referring to citizens from both A8 & A2 countries) made up about half of labour immigration in recent years.
In the report entitled “The UK’s New Europeans Report “, which looked at the skills and employment patterns of eastern Europeans since their countries joined the European Union,in answer to the question,
'How has the recent migration affected local communities and workers?
it states;
"Despite large and unexpected inflows since 2004, eastern European migrants still make up only a small proportion of the labour force. International experience suggests that labour markets can absorb immigration ‘shocks’ significantly larger than the recent labour movement to the UK. A relatively limited evidence base suggests that eastern European immigration has brought economic benefits, including greater labour market efficiency and potential increases in average wages. However, the recent migration may have reduced wages slightly at the bottom end of the labour market, especially for certain groups of vulnerable workers, and there is a risk that it could contribute to a ‘low-skill equilibrium’ in some economically depressed local areas".
The report found that as a group, eastern Europeans enjoyed a significantly lower rate of unemployment compared to British-born workers and their use of the welfare system was less than half that of British-born residents. Eastern European unemployment stood at approximately five per cent in 2009, compared to 7.8 per cent for UK-born residents. Eastern Europeans use welfare and public services 60 per cent less than UK-born residents: new Europeans put in more than they take out.
Commenting on the conclusions of the report Andrea Murray, Acting Group Director Strategy for the Commission said:
"Eastern European workers have provided a boost to Britain’s economy, although more than half of them have now returned home. Despite being over educated for many roles, they have been willing to take on jobs that many other workers do not wish to do. While low skilled, low paid jobs are important to the British economy, the education level of many of these migrants highlights that Britain may not be making the most of the talents they offer.
This report highlights the need to provide help for the most vulnerable, with evidence revealing that many eastern European workers may be in precarious employment circumstances and suffering exploitation in some industries. If we are to properly promote equality we need to focus on a number of key issues for both UK born and migrant workers. This should include measures such as gaining better recognition for the qualifications migrants have acquired in their home countries. We should be reassessing how well we enforce laws designed to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers and provide adequate supports to regions with substantial numbers of new migrants, particularly those where this is a new experience.”
The Guardian looks at the report under the headline Eastern European immigration 'has hit low-paid Britons' whilst the Daily Mail says Migrants are driving down wages of the poor as equalities watchdog blames East European influx.
The full report 'The UK's New Europeans'
In 2004, 10 new member states joined the European Union (EU), eight of which were eastern European countries with income levels well below the western European average The countries being Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.(often referred to as the A8). In 2007 they were joined by two other countries: Romania and Bulgaria (the A2)
About 1.5 million workers from A8 countries have come to the UK since May 2004, and the number of A8 nationals resident in the UK has increased to about 700,000.
Eastern Europeans (referring to citizens from both A8 & A2 countries) made up about half of labour immigration in recent years.
In the report entitled “The UK’s New Europeans Report “, which looked at the skills and employment patterns of eastern Europeans since their countries joined the European Union,in answer to the question,
'How has the recent migration affected local communities and workers?
it states;
"Despite large and unexpected inflows since 2004, eastern European migrants still make up only a small proportion of the labour force. International experience suggests that labour markets can absorb immigration ‘shocks’ significantly larger than the recent labour movement to the UK. A relatively limited evidence base suggests that eastern European immigration has brought economic benefits, including greater labour market efficiency and potential increases in average wages. However, the recent migration may have reduced wages slightly at the bottom end of the labour market, especially for certain groups of vulnerable workers, and there is a risk that it could contribute to a ‘low-skill equilibrium’ in some economically depressed local areas".
The report found that as a group, eastern Europeans enjoyed a significantly lower rate of unemployment compared to British-born workers and their use of the welfare system was less than half that of British-born residents. Eastern European unemployment stood at approximately five per cent in 2009, compared to 7.8 per cent for UK-born residents. Eastern Europeans use welfare and public services 60 per cent less than UK-born residents: new Europeans put in more than they take out.
Commenting on the conclusions of the report Andrea Murray, Acting Group Director Strategy for the Commission said:
"Eastern European workers have provided a boost to Britain’s economy, although more than half of them have now returned home. Despite being over educated for many roles, they have been willing to take on jobs that many other workers do not wish to do. While low skilled, low paid jobs are important to the British economy, the education level of many of these migrants highlights that Britain may not be making the most of the talents they offer.
This report highlights the need to provide help for the most vulnerable, with evidence revealing that many eastern European workers may be in precarious employment circumstances and suffering exploitation in some industries. If we are to properly promote equality we need to focus on a number of key issues for both UK born and migrant workers. This should include measures such as gaining better recognition for the qualifications migrants have acquired in their home countries. We should be reassessing how well we enforce laws designed to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers and provide adequate supports to regions with substantial numbers of new migrants, particularly those where this is a new experience.”
The Guardian looks at the report under the headline Eastern European immigration 'has hit low-paid Britons' whilst the Daily Mail says Migrants are driving down wages of the poor as equalities watchdog blames East European influx.
The full report 'The UK's New Europeans'
Average Spanish wages is only 50% of that in the UK
According to a report by Adecco and IESE Business School on the evolution of wages in 14 European countries between 2003 and 2008, the average salary in Spain is approximately 21,500 euro gross per year, which is almost half of the average of 40,000 euros in the UK, Holland and Germany, and 20% below the EU average.
In particular, average earnings in the old EU reached 27,036 million in 2008. United Kingdom led the ranking of wages, with 46,058 euros for the full-time employees, followed by the Netherlands (42,720 euros) and Germany (40,914 euros).
At the other extreme, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria, the last four members who joined the EU of twenty-seven, do not exceed € 10,000 per year salary.
By sector, private services have higher average earnings, with 27,774 euros, 2.7% more than average and 15.6% more than the 24,025 euros for the construction, the sector with lower wages.
When looking at the wage gap between men and women, in the 14 countries surveyed the average man's wage, at 29,341 euros is 28% higher than a woman's, which maintains the gender pay gap since 2003.
Spain is the fourth EU country with the highest wage gap, with the men receiving 34.4% more than women (24,020 and 17,866 euros respectively), but reduced the gap with respect to 2003 when it occupied the second position with 38%.
In particular, average earnings in the old EU reached 27,036 million in 2008. United Kingdom led the ranking of wages, with 46,058 euros for the full-time employees, followed by the Netherlands (42,720 euros) and Germany (40,914 euros).
At the other extreme, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria, the last four members who joined the EU of twenty-seven, do not exceed € 10,000 per year salary.
By sector, private services have higher average earnings, with 27,774 euros, 2.7% more than average and 15.6% more than the 24,025 euros for the construction, the sector with lower wages.
When looking at the wage gap between men and women, in the 14 countries surveyed the average man's wage, at 29,341 euros is 28% higher than a woman's, which maintains the gender pay gap since 2003.
Spain is the fourth EU country with the highest wage gap, with the men receiving 34.4% more than women (24,020 and 17,866 euros respectively), but reduced the gap with respect to 2003 when it occupied the second position with 38%.
Chequebooks used six times more than online payments
In an article in the Telegrpah's finance section the point is made that the proclamation that the bank cheque is dead may have been premature. Britain's affection for writing cheques may be diminishing but it is still vastly more popular than online transactions.
In her article Myra Butterworth, Personal Finance Correspondent, points out that cheques remain a far more popular choice among consumers despite steady growth in the number of payments made online. Figures show they are used in six times as many transactions as online payments, raising questions over the decision to abolish the chequebook.
She goes on to say, “The cheque remains far more popular and widely trusted than online transactions. People are quite right to be sceptical about online transactions given the problems of identity theft associated with them. How can the banks argue that the cheque is dead when there were over 1.4bn payments made by cheque in Briton last year alone?”
My experience with many small businesses and self employed suppliers is that they will not give their bank sort code and account numbers to enable online payments to be made, and they cannot accept payment by debit card. In these circumstances, when I am in Spain and want to pay a UK supplier for work done sending a UK cheque is the the slow but only option if they won't give the bank details because of fear of fraud.
Telegraph
In her article Myra Butterworth, Personal Finance Correspondent, points out that cheques remain a far more popular choice among consumers despite steady growth in the number of payments made online. Figures show they are used in six times as many transactions as online payments, raising questions over the decision to abolish the chequebook.
She goes on to say, “The cheque remains far more popular and widely trusted than online transactions. People are quite right to be sceptical about online transactions given the problems of identity theft associated with them. How can the banks argue that the cheque is dead when there were over 1.4bn payments made by cheque in Briton last year alone?”
My experience with many small businesses and self employed suppliers is that they will not give their bank sort code and account numbers to enable online payments to be made, and they cannot accept payment by debit card. In these circumstances, when I am in Spain and want to pay a UK supplier for work done sending a UK cheque is the the slow but only option if they won't give the bank details because of fear of fraud.
Telegraph
Friday, 15 January 2010
P&O Ferries to withdraw from Bilbao service in September
P&O Ferries has given notice that it is proposing to withdraw from the Portsmouth - Bilbao route at the end of September 2010, when the charter of the ship it uses for the service, the Pride of Bilbao, comes to an end.
In the meantime, the service will operate normally and bookings up to and including 27 September are unaffected. P&O Ferries will be contacting passengers with bookings beyond that date in order to make alternative arrangements or offer refunds.
The company says that despite a concerted effort to improve the financial performance of its 15-year-old service, losses continue and are unsustainable. Staff are being advised today (Friday) as the company begins consultations with representatives of its workforce in order to mitigate potential job losses. The months ahead will be used to try to offer alternative positions elsewhere in the company’s route network. A total of 252 people work on the Pride of Bilbao including 130 agency staff. A further 12 staff work in the company’s shore operation in Bilbao.
Chief executive Helen Deeble said: “We have examined every option very carefully and have been trying for more than three years to find a suitable replacement ship in order to continue the service profitably. The Pride of Bilbao has served us well but is now an old ship nearing the end of her commercial life and needs to be replaced.
“However, we have reached the sad conclusion that such a replacement vessel is not currently available and as this loss-making route is unable to fund the cost of a new purpose-built ship we have no alternative other than to close it.”
P&O
In the meantime, the service will operate normally and bookings up to and including 27 September are unaffected. P&O Ferries will be contacting passengers with bookings beyond that date in order to make alternative arrangements or offer refunds.
The company says that despite a concerted effort to improve the financial performance of its 15-year-old service, losses continue and are unsustainable. Staff are being advised today (Friday) as the company begins consultations with representatives of its workforce in order to mitigate potential job losses. The months ahead will be used to try to offer alternative positions elsewhere in the company’s route network. A total of 252 people work on the Pride of Bilbao including 130 agency staff. A further 12 staff work in the company’s shore operation in Bilbao.
Chief executive Helen Deeble said: “We have examined every option very carefully and have been trying for more than three years to find a suitable replacement ship in order to continue the service profitably. The Pride of Bilbao has served us well but is now an old ship nearing the end of her commercial life and needs to be replaced.
“However, we have reached the sad conclusion that such a replacement vessel is not currently available and as this loss-making route is unable to fund the cost of a new purpose-built ship we have no alternative other than to close it.”
P&O
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Find the cheapest gas stations in Spain.
In the last year the price of gasoline has risen 30% and diesel has risen 20%.
The website notes that these large rises in the last year will result in an increse in the cost of filling a 40 litre tank with gasoline of 11 euros or 6 euros for diesel.
To find the cheapest service stations, enter the town you want to look in and the type of fuel for your vehicle in the search bowes and the site tell you where to find the cheapest gas station. Alternatively you can enter a route and search to see where the cheapest gas station in the journey.
Today I've asked for a search in Orihuela Costa for gasoline sin plomo 95 with the result that the cheapest is Eroski in Punta Prima at 1.098€/ltr and in second place Carrefour at 1.112€/ltr. The most expensive, in 10th place is the Repsol service station in Los Balcones at 1.132€/ltr.
The site lists the service stations and shows their locations on a street map.
Try it and bookmark it gas.encoche.com .
Police use Riot shield as a sledge!
Police Officers were recorded on video using a riot shield as a sledge.
The officers from the Thames Valley Police were on Boars Hill in Oxford where their exploits were recorded by Mr Rick Latham, who then posted it on to YouTube.
Supt Andrew Murray the local policing area commander said the snow had "a habit of bringing out the child in all of us". He added: "I have spoken to the officers concerned and reminded them in no uncertain terms that tobogganing on duty, on police equipment and at taxpayers' expense is a very bad idea should they wish to progress under my command".
It seems funny at first - but couldn't their time have been better spent helping the public (who pay their wages).
It is nice to know where the police are when they should be on the streets protecting the public from and investigating crimes that have been committed. It is nice to know that the the money of the police budget is being spent wisely.
Now a question that comes to mind is what if the officer had sustained an injury and been un-able to work? Would he be paid on full rate of pay? Would he have been able to claim compensation for injuries sustained whilst on duty? I suspect yes to both questions.
Still at least they are not carrying out illegal 'stopping and searching' of tourists who are taking photographs of ancient buildings, or professional photographers, or 11 year old twins.
Mr Latham commented "I thought they were going to tell us off at first, but they had a look at the hill and two of them went down on their shields."
BBC
The officers from the Thames Valley Police were on Boars Hill in Oxford where their exploits were recorded by Mr Rick Latham, who then posted it on to YouTube.
Supt Andrew Murray the local policing area commander said the snow had "a habit of bringing out the child in all of us". He added: "I have spoken to the officers concerned and reminded them in no uncertain terms that tobogganing on duty, on police equipment and at taxpayers' expense is a very bad idea should they wish to progress under my command".
It seems funny at first - but couldn't their time have been better spent helping the public (who pay their wages).
It is nice to know where the police are when they should be on the streets protecting the public from and investigating crimes that have been committed. It is nice to know that the the money of the police budget is being spent wisely.
Now a question that comes to mind is what if the officer had sustained an injury and been un-able to work? Would he be paid on full rate of pay? Would he have been able to claim compensation for injuries sustained whilst on duty? I suspect yes to both questions.
Still at least they are not carrying out illegal 'stopping and searching' of tourists who are taking photographs of ancient buildings, or professional photographers, or 11 year old twins.
Mr Latham commented "I thought they were going to tell us off at first, but they had a look at the hill and two of them went down on their shields."
BBC
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Kent police admit unlawful stop and search of twins, 11
The stop and search of 11-year-old twins at the Kingsnorth Climate Camp was unlawful, Kent police have admitted at London's High Court.
The twins, referred to as E and T, were searched while at a demonstration against Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in August 2008.
Officers searched the twins on the grounds of "reasonable suspicion" they might be carrying prohibited articles.
The police admitted that officers at the scene had misapplied legislation.
BBC
The twins, referred to as E and T, were searched while at a demonstration against Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in August 2008.
Officers searched the twins on the grounds of "reasonable suspicion" they might be carrying prohibited articles.
The police admitted that officers at the scene had misapplied legislation.
BBC
UK Policy 'Stop & Search' is illegal!
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the police 'stop and search' powers in the UK, granted by the Terrorism Act of 2000 are illegal.
There are many reports of police officers being over zealous in their use of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 where it has been used on anti-war protesters and even holidaymakers taking pictures of tourist attractions.
European court condemns police misuse of stop and search - Guardian
Stop-and-search powers ruled illegal by European court - BBC
Police stop and search powers ruled illegal - Independent
Stop-and-search terror powers declared illegal by human rights court - Mail Online
There are many reports of police officers being over zealous in their use of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 where it has been used on anti-war protesters and even holidaymakers taking pictures of tourist attractions.
European court condemns police misuse of stop and search - Guardian
Stop-and-search powers ruled illegal by European court - BBC
Police stop and search powers ruled illegal - Independent
Stop-and-search terror powers declared illegal by human rights court - Mail Online
Friday, 8 January 2010
Men think about sex 13 times a day - It helps to prevent Heart Attacks!
It is good that men think about sex 13 times a day, nearly 5000 times a year, because it can reduce the chance of a Heart Attack by 50% if they have sex twice a week.
That is the conclusion that could be reached having read two articles that appear in the Telegraph today.
Men think about sex 5,000 times a year.
Having sex twice a week 'reduces chance of heart attack by half'
In this first article it says that "Men think about sex almost 5,000 times a year – but only get down to doing it 104 times, a new study has found" which is fine as it can be part of a preventive health campaign, because according to the second editorial "Men who have sex at least twice a week can almost halve their risk of heart disease, according to new research".
There are other possible health benefits for men who have regular sex.
According to a study by researchers at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania sex once or twice a week in winter can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of catching colds and flu.
The National Cancer Institute in the US also carried out a study that showed that men who ejaculated through sex or masturbation at least five times a week were much less likely to get prostate cancer.
Now there is a problem "women think about sex just five times day – or 1,825 times a year" according to the editorial of the article. That is nearly 40% less than men!
So come on ladies help your man to maintain his good health!
That is the conclusion that could be reached having read two articles that appear in the Telegraph today.
Men think about sex 5,000 times a year.
Having sex twice a week 'reduces chance of heart attack by half'
In this first article it says that "Men think about sex almost 5,000 times a year – but only get down to doing it 104 times, a new study has found" which is fine as it can be part of a preventive health campaign, because according to the second editorial "Men who have sex at least twice a week can almost halve their risk of heart disease, according to new research".
There are other possible health benefits for men who have regular sex.
According to a study by researchers at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania sex once or twice a week in winter can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of catching colds and flu.
The National Cancer Institute in the US also carried out a study that showed that men who ejaculated through sex or masturbation at least five times a week were much less likely to get prostate cancer.
Now there is a problem "women think about sex just five times day – or 1,825 times a year" according to the editorial of the article. That is nearly 40% less than men!
So come on ladies help your man to maintain his good health!
Thursday, 7 January 2010
The Saga Generation Manifesto - Six demands for a fairer society for the over 50s
The Saga organisation surveyed thousands of its customers through its Saga Magazine, Saga Zone online community, and the influential Saga Populus Panel – the largest monthly poll of over-50s opinion in the UK. The message received is clear and the group yesterday issued what it calls the;
'The Saga Generation Manifesto - Six demands for a fairer society for the over 50s'.
The point is made in the manifesto that the majority of voters at the forthcoming General Election are likely to be over 50, which makes it the first time that the Saga Generation, as they like to call the over 50s, will have such a decisive influence on the future direction of the country. Reference is made to a recent Populus poll for The Times which found that 63 per cent of over-55s said they were certain to vote in the election compared with 21 per cent of those aged 18-24, 37 per cent aged 25-34 and 44 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds.
When referring to the recent German Federal Elections, and the way that they were strongly affected by grey power, Hans Rattinger, political scientist, commented: “No party can afford to conduct a campaign that fails to take into account the growing importance of pensioners”.
The major parties in the forthcoming UK General Election will do well to take this into account in their mainfestos and campaigning.
The six demands put forward are:
'The Saga Generation Manifesto - Six demands for a fairer society for the over 50s'.
The point is made in the manifesto that the majority of voters at the forthcoming General Election are likely to be over 50, which makes it the first time that the Saga Generation, as they like to call the over 50s, will have such a decisive influence on the future direction of the country. Reference is made to a recent Populus poll for The Times which found that 63 per cent of over-55s said they were certain to vote in the election compared with 21 per cent of those aged 18-24, 37 per cent aged 25-34 and 44 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds.
When referring to the recent German Federal Elections, and the way that they were strongly affected by grey power, Hans Rattinger, political scientist, commented: “No party can afford to conduct a campaign that fails to take into account the growing importance of pensioners”.
The major parties in the forthcoming UK General Election will do well to take this into account in their mainfestos and campaigning.
The six demands put forward are:
- FAIRER FINANCES. - Older people need to know there is recognition of the contributions they have made throughout their lives both to society ingeneral and in taxation
- ABOLISH AGEISM. - Ageism is deep-seated in this country and should be tackled as a priority.
- AGE BALANCE IN PARLIAMENT. - There should be a representative age balance of people entering Parliament: more older people with experience of business and life in general
- SUPPORT FOR CARERS. - The entire support structure for an ageing population must be tackled coherently and there must be clarity about what individuals can expect from the state.
- INTELIGENT RETIREMENT. - We want to see an end to the compulsory retirement age and in its place a flexible, phased approach to retirement.
- BETTER, SAFER STREETS. - Even though official crime statistics have improved, many older people feel less safe on the streets. More must be done to make them feel less fearful.
Britain has fallen to 25th Position in the Quality of Life Index
Several publictions have been reporting on the 'Quality of Life Index, produced by International Living Magazine' which shows that Britain has fallen to 25th position from 20th position last year. It is placed behind some of the old communist countries.
The index has been produced for 30 years in which 192 countries are surveyed on nine catagories; Cost of Living, Culture and Leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Safety and Risk, and Climate.. Britain does not top a single category in the survey, which is compiled using official government statistics, including data from the World Health Organisation and the views of the magazine's editors around the globe.
France for the fourthyear is placed in 1st position. Spain is shown in 17th position 8 places ahead of Britain.
Britain's quality of life worse than former Communist countries - Telegraph.
Britain falls to 25th best place to live in the world... behind Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary. - Mail.
Britain's quality of life is 25th in world - This is Money
The index has been produced for 30 years in which 192 countries are surveyed on nine catagories; Cost of Living, Culture and Leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Safety and Risk, and Climate.. Britain does not top a single category in the survey, which is compiled using official government statistics, including data from the World Health Organisation and the views of the magazine's editors around the globe.
France for the fourthyear is placed in 1st position. Spain is shown in 17th position 8 places ahead of Britain.
Britain's quality of life worse than former Communist countries - Telegraph.
Britain falls to 25th best place to live in the world... behind Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary. - Mail.
Britain's quality of life is 25th in world - This is Money
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Spain's property shame
An Interesting article by Anna Nicholas on her 'Majorcan Pearls' blog in the Telegraph.
Spain's property shame
Spain's property shame
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Mr Bean replaces Spanish PM on EU presidency site
 Some say that Mr Zapatero bears an uncanny resemblance.... |
Visitors to Spain's EU presidency website have been greeted by an image of hapless fictional character Mr Bean instead of Spain's Socialist leader.
An unidentified hacker briefly hijacked the site on Monday, replacing Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero with that of a bumbling comedy buffoon. An unidentified hacker briefly hijacked the site on Monday, replacing Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero with that of a bumbling comedy buffoon.
In Spain, the similarity between Mr Zapatero and the Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson, is a long-standing joke.
The government said the site itself, www.eu2010.es, had not been attacked.
 ...to Mr Bean |
"The alleged attack exploited a vulnerability called cross-site scripting," it said.
For most visitors, this meant that a smiling Mr Bean replaced Mr Zapatero, complete with a benign smile and the words "Hi there".
In a recent edition of El Pais, Mr Zapatero was depicted as Mr Bean in a cartoon above an article that was highly critical of his handling of the economy in Spain, where unemployment has reached almost 20%.
BBC
Saturday, 2 January 2010
It Is Change
"It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be..." --Isaac Asimov
My attention has been drawn to the above quote and it has set me thinking to a greater extent than I thought it could. Not because we have had a change of year, or because we are in a new decade. Not because I don't like change, or the thought of change, infact I believe the opposite as I look forward to, and probably need and thrive on, the possibility of change, for the better.
One initial thought I've had that needs expanding is that;
The society we have is the society we deserve. It is the society that we have created by our past decisions.
Did we properly take into account 'the world as it will be' when we made changes?
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