黑洞社区

Fast track to UK for Polish builders

The Observer reported that MPs have condemned a move by construction training body CITB-ConstructionSkills to open an office in Poland to fast track migrant workers into the UK. The office will be used to run a pilot scheme aimed at ensuring Polish workers are adequately skilled and have health and safety awareness. The Observer reported that MPs feel more resources should be devoted to training British workers.

Ramsay and Hoppen join Bhs

The Sunday Telegraph reported that retail entrepreneur Sir Philip Green has signed up Gordon Ramsay and interior designer Kelly Hoppen to design ranges for his BHS chain. Ramsay will be in charge of revamping its in-store restaurants and Hoppen is to launch a service offering tips on home d茅cor.

Solar power threat to companies

The Sunday Telegraph reported that homeowners who generate their own electricity through methods such as solar panels, hydro generators and windmills should be able to save money by selling it back to the national grid. Energy regulator Ofgem was reported to have threatened power companies with more controls if they did not make it more appealing for households to generate their own electricity.

Greenwash

The Telegraph looked at the issue of 'Greenwash' and asks whether major international companies - such as JP Morgan and Shell - are just going through the motions when it comes to measures to improve the environment. Goldman Sachs and Asda come out well, but HSBC, Tesco and BP are criticised for not doing enough.

Scrutiny team for Olympic agency

The Sunday Times said that the Olympic Delivery Authority has set up a committee to check whether it is on track to deliver the 2012 Games. The paper said that it has asked a four-strong panel to participate, comprising former Amec chief executive Sir Peter Mason, Lorraine Baldry, chairman of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Sir Roy McNulty, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Christopher Garnett, former GNER chief executive.

Corus offer threatens jobs

The Sunday Times reported that several hundred jobs could be lost if Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus is taken over by a foreign company. Indian steel group Tata last week confirmed that it was considering making an offer for the company which is valued at around 拢4.3bn.

Viridian agrees to 拢1.6bn takeover

The Daily Telegraph said that Northern Ireland electricity supplier Viridian has recommended a 拢1.6bn cash offer from Bahraini investment firm Arcapita. Archapita鈥檚 拢13.25-a-share offer was 23pc above Viridian鈥檚 closing price on Wednesday.

拢100m crisis as our cathedrals crumble

The Telegraph reported that the total repairs needed to the Church of England鈥檚 42 cathedrals over the next five years is in excess of 拢100m, with a number of the medieval buildings soon needing major overhauls the Daily Telegraph has found.

Treasury warned on tax regime

The Telegraph said that pressure is growing on the Chancellor to cut business taxes and reduce risk of companies moving their headquarters to countries offering easier financial regimes. Alarm bells were set ringing after suggestions that HSBC may be driven from London by an increasing tax burden.