… in brief

This week’s news in brief

FBU considers move

The Fire Brigades Union is meeting to consider its next move after the
employers refused to improve the 16 per cent pay offer. Employers claim the
current offer, linked to modernisation, is the only way to finance the pay
increase, taking starting pay to £25,000 a year.  www.fbu.org.uk

Hidden racism rife

A TUC report Black Voices at Work claims that despite progress, hidden
racism continues in the workplace. It calls on the Government to extend race
laws to require all employers to positively promote race equality.  www.tuc.org.uk

DTI Xmas proposals

The DTI has announced proposals to prevent large stores trading on Christmas
Day and spoiling the festive season for workers. Employment Minister Alan
Johnson said consultation had started with the aim of protecting staff from
being forced to work at Christmas.  www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/consultations.htm

MG Rover strike is on

MG Rover staff at the company’s Longbridge plant have voted to strike over
terms and conditions. T&G union members voted in favour of strike action
over the company’s 2.2 per cent pay offer, an increase in maternity pay, and a
cut in the length of service needed to gain extra holiday.  www.tgwu.org.uk

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Business-friendly

The CBI has urged universities to become more business-friendly to ensure
graduates have the skills needed by the UK’s employers. It has presented a
paper aimed at identifying the benefits, barriers and practical ways of
promoting effective collaboration.  www.cbi.co.uk