General News

OS: From last week, Ordnance Survey staff across the country will be using the social networking site Twitter to provide live updates as they map the ever changing Great British landscape. Anyone interested in maps, geography and the vital role they play underpinning daily life is invited to follow their updates to learn more about the range of work they do every day.
Press release & links
 
NA: As part of its ongoing work with archives, The National Archives is conducting a wide-ranging review of its online resources that documents the country's archival collections and their locations over the next few months. The Finding Archives review will work with users of the National Register of Archives and the ARCHON Directory, as well as other tools to develop a better understanding of their requirements and how these resources should look and operate in the future. 
 
An online survey is being carried out to ensure that everyone with an interest in these resources has a chance to contribute and a representative sample of stakeholders will be selected for focus groups to explore particular issues in depth. The survey will run from November to December 2011.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: Scotland's only poppy factory marks its 90th anniversary this year.  The famous Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh employs veterans with disabilities to hand-assemble Scotland's poppies & wreaths.
Press release & links
 
FSASainsbury’s is recalling some date codes of its own-brand Lentilles Vertes.  Some packs contain wheat or gluten, which is not mentioned on the pack. The Food Standards Agency has issued an allergy alert.
Press release & Links
 
FSA: The Co-op is recalling all of its Wholefoods Dried Lentilles Vertes.  Some packs contain wheat, which isn’t mentioned on the label.  The Food Standards Agency has issued an allergy alert.
Press release & links
 
FSARock Farm Dairy is recalling some date codes of milk & cream products after consumers complained about a taint & odour.  No harmful health effects have been reported, but if you have bought any of the products, do not eat them. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.
Press release & links
 
LSNNationalExtensionColleg e (NEC), formed nearly 50 years ago and now part of Learning and Skills Network, is one of the country’s leading providers of qualifications by distance learning. NEC have recently established a Corporate Partnership Offer for organisations – both large & small – who want to extend their employee benefit or development schemes at a time when finances & resources are under severe pressure.
 
Many employees wish to complete a qualification to fill a gap in their CV, skill set or for their own personal development.  The Corporate Partnership is designed as a cost effective solution to this benefiting both employer & employee.
Press release & links
 
FRC: The Financial Reporting Council has launched the ‘Financial Reporting Lab’ which ‘brings together companies & investors to identify practical solutions to today's reporting problems, such as the length and complexity of reports and accounts’. The FRC hopes the Lab will take a large part of the cost & risk out of the process of innovation & reduce the need for regulatory intervention. Press release & links
 
Ofgem: After extensive analysis, Ofgem has decided to progress its preferred model for the reform of the retail energy market.  It has also published its latest report on prices which shows that the average dual fuel bill now stands at £1,345 and, following recent price rises, estimated suppliers’ margins have peaked at around £125 per year, but are likely to fall back next year.
 
This report on prices does nothing to alter Ofgem’s findings in March 2011 that competition is being stifled by a combination of tariff complexity, poor supplier behaviour & lack of transparency and that radical change is needed.  Ofgem will publish its detailed proposals in late November 2011 for consultation, including its proposals for reform in the business energy market.
Press release & Links
 
ScotGov: Scotland's biggest celebration of the Gaelic language, the Royal National Mòd, has kicked off in the Western Isles. Minister for Gaelic, Alasdair Allan, spoke at the event's opening ceremony and outlined plans to work with the Office of Gaelic Affairs in Nova Scotia to allow up to 5 Gaelic learners to travel to Scotland for summer language lessons.
 
He also announced plans to fund the Ness Historical Society with their plans to become a new Gaelic 'hub' in North Lewis, offering language, local history and genealogy courses for locals & visitors.
Press release & links
 
HPA: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further 3 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since August 2011, bringing the total to 12.  Another 3 possible cases with travel history to Corfu are under investigation.
Press release & links
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