General News
OFT: The OFT has written to 100 leading price comparison websites asking them to ensure they are providing clear information to consumers, after a review published recently by the OFT suggested that some sites could do more to improve trust amongst the public.
In order to help consumers make the best use of price comparison sites, and to assist those who do not currently use them, the OFT has joined forces with other government departments, sector regulators and consumer groups to develop 6 'top tips' (see press release). It has also released 2 new information films which can be viewed on the OFT's YouTube channel.
OFT: The Office of Fair Trading has launched a new campaign to help patients understand more about their rights when visiting the dentist. The 'Right to Smile' campaign, which is supported by the British Dental Association, private dentistry providers and a number of consumer groups, has been launched to help patients make informed decisions, understand more about their entitlements to NHS treatment, and know what their options are if things go wrong.
Defra: A further case of the tree disease Chalara, also known as ash dieback, has been confirmed in woodland in East Sussex. Following the urgent survey to seek out traces of the disease in our woods and forests, East Sussex is the eleventh county in England where Chalara has been discovered; the other counties are Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, West Sussex, Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Northumberland.
DCMS: A group of young athletes from the UK have been given the chance to compete in the host nation for the next summer Olympics. The young swimmers, volleyball players and beach volleyball players took part in the Brazilian School Games in Cuiaba.
It follows the School Games finals in London in May, when 17 athletes from Brazil came to the UK to compete, taking home 5 gold medals. Some of the UK athletes are also getting the chance to train at venues in Rio de Janeiro – where the 2016 Games will be held – including the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park.
CBI: The CBI recently commented on the childcare funding announcement for two-year-olds by the Department for Education.
CQC: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a raft of new digital improvements including an email alert service, an information sharing CQC Widget and improved historical information on care homes.
HPA: According to latest Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures there were 6,280 new HIV diagnoses in 2011, taking the total number of people living with HIV in the UK to around 96,000. Published in National HIV Testing Week, the data show although late HIV diagnoses dropped slightly in 2011 (47%, from 50% in 2010), a quarter of people with HIV remained unaware of their status.
TFL: Crossrail, the new state-of-the-art railway that will cut journey times across London, has launched a new initiative to address future construction skills shortages.
From next year graduates will have the chance to join the biggest construction project in Europe and help transform rail transport in the Capital. The first successful applicants will take part in a 2-year programme undertaking a series of training & work placements to gain a range of experience.
From next year graduates will have the chance to join the biggest construction project in Europe and help transform rail transport in the Capital. The first successful applicants will take part in a 2-year programme undertaking a series of training & work placements to gain a range of experience.
