…in brief

This week’s news in brief

CIA and FBI interest

Applications to join the CIA and FBI have rocketed since last month’s
terrorist attacks. Last week the CIA received more than 3,000 prospective CVs,
compared to its usual weekly average of about 500. The number of people applying
for dangerous foreign undercover work with the intelligence services has also
tripled to 300 a week.

IT skills initiative

The e-skills National Training Organisation has launched an initiative to
improve employees’ basic IT skills. It is part of a joint initiative between
government, education and industry to assess and improve the workers’ skills in
areas such as word processing, e-mail use and spreadsheets. The project,
IT4all, will look at business technology trends and address employers’ IT skills
needs.  www.e-skillsnto.org

Anti-smoking trend

Most people are in favour of smoking bans at work according to research. A
Department of Health study finds the number of people in favour of workplace
smoking bans has increased from 81 per cent in 1996 to 86 per cent in 2000.  www.doh.gov.uk

Hotels hit by atrocity

Office Christmas parties are being cancelled in the aftermath of the
terrorist attacks in the US. UK hotels are also reporting a cut in bookings
from American tourists and business travellers since 11 September.  

Pilots ballot over pay

Helicopter pilots are to ballot for industrial action this week over their
employer’s failure to narrow the pay gap between them and their aircraft
counterparts. Two-hundred UK-based CHC Scotia pilots will vote on whether to
take strike action which could have a strong impact on North Sea oil and gas
operations.  www.balpa.org

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Staff value in doubt

Half of senior business leaders and board members feel they do not add value
to the business. The False Summit Report by consultancy Skai also reveals 60
per cent of board members believe employees don’t think they add value either.  www.skai.co.uk