…in brief

This week’s news in brief

Ford cuts 35,000 jobs

Ford is to cut 35,000 jobs world-wide. The layoffs form part of a global
restructuring, which will see five US factories closed with the loss of 22,000
jobs. The Escort, Cougar, Villager and Lincoln Continental models will be
dropped. Managers’ bonuses will also be suspended. The overhaul is expected to
improve profits by £6.23m by the middle of the decade.  www.ford.com

Civil Service ups pay

Senior civil servants could earn up to £180,000 a year under plans for a new
pay system to help the service motivate and retain top talent. The system,
which comes into effect on 1 April, is linked to the market to enable the Civil
Service to compete more successfully for senior talent. It will be funded from
existing budgets.  www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice/scs/index.htm

Sector safety targets

The Health and Safety Executive and food industry trade unions have agreed
injury reduction targets for the food and drink manufacturing sector. The
targets form part of a common strategy document, which focuses on improving
health and safety, reducing injuries and occupational ill health in the
industry. The strategy is backed by the Food and Drink Federation and the GMB,
TGWU, USDAW and BFAWU unions.  www.hse.gov.uk

Soaps help lure staff

A government report recommends soaps such as EastEnders and Coronation
Street are used to attract women to serve on public bodies. The Department for
Transport, Local Government and the Regions proposes the use of soap opera
storylines to raise awareness of women’s opportunities in the department.  www.dtlr.gov.uk

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Financial services hit

Business volumes in the financial services sector have fallen at the fastest
pace for nine years, forcing firms to cut costs to stay profitable. In a
quarterly survey by the CBI and PricewaterhouseCoopers, 42 per cent of firms
said business volumes fell over the past three months.  www.cbi.org.uk