Police pensions deal
The Metropolitan Police Authority is to outsource its pay and pensions service for police officers and staff in a 31m deal. The contract with LogicaCMG software consultancy will last seven years and cover all 46,000 employees. The software, written specifically for the public sector, will also potentially enable staff to book holidays using the system.
www.met.police.uk
Royal Mail pay rises
Employees at Royal Mail are to get an above-inflation pay increase after the company struck a deal with the Communication Workers Union. Its deputy general secretary, Dave Ward, said: “The clear priority for our members is basic pay. This deal will give everyone an above-inflation increase, between 3.8% and around 4.5%. That is genuine progress.”
www.royalmail.co.uk
Student debt grows
Students in England graduating this year will owe a combined 2.46bn, according to new figures. A report by Barclays shows the average graduate debt is 13,501, an increase of more than 10% in the past year. About 183,000 graduates will leave university with debt in 2005.
www.barclays.co.uk
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Lib Dems surge ahead
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