10.5% of UK Workforce are Underemployed

The Office for National Statistics have said that now over 3 million people are underemployed. This might mean they are doing a job that they are over qualified for, or more commonly they are working only part-time when they would prefer to work full-time. Most part-time workers are people returning to the job market after a period of unemployment or time away from the job market e.g. maternity leave. With more people in part-time employment, this means that the government is receiving less in tax and workers disposable income is decreasing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20509189

How Do You Protect Your Home From Floods?

With nearly 5 and half million homes at a risk of flooding in England and Wales, it is very important that people know hoe to protect their homes. It is impossible to completely flood proof a house, but below are some techniques suggested by the Environment Agency.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20497598

Will Doha Climate Talks Achieve Anything

With the Kyoto Climate Agreement due to run out, new climate talks are about to start in Doha, Qatar. Qatar has one of the world's biggest per capita ecological footprints but it is hoped that talks in the country will bring good news for the environment. However, one potential sticking point could be 13 billion tonnes of unused carbon permits given to EU countries in past negotiations. Some countries want to carry the unused amounts over to future talks while environmentalists point out that the use of these permits will wipe out any future reductions.
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20443227

The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency currently has one severe flooding warning in place, 226 flood warnings and 274 flood alerts in place around England and Wales. The Environment Agency encourage people to sign up for flood alerts via mobile, e-mail, fax, pager, telephone or text. You can also check their website or phone their floodline: 0845 988 1188.



http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx

2 Dead and 800 Homes Flooded in the UK

The Environment Agency have said that the recent floods, have killed two people and flooded over 800 homes in the UK. They have also said that there are currently 220 flood warnings in place, mostly in the SW and the Midlands.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645

UK to stop Indian aid

The UK is planning to phase out aid to India. They currently give around £200 million a year, but this will stop by 2015. Even though India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it still has millions living in poverty. A recent review though decided that the UK's assistance should now focus more on a technical support side.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20265583

Three Gorges Dam - Success or Failure?

The Three Gorges Dam was built at the cost of about £25 billion and stretches over 2km across the Yangtse River. The dam was built to reduce flooding and provide renewable energy (the equivelant of 11 nuclear power stations). The Chinese government hail it as a success but it has been criticised in a number of ways. Over 1 million people were forced to relocate when it was built and much wildlife has been impacted through blocking of migration routes and increased pollution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20103483

Environment Agency Issue UK Flood Warning

The Environment Agency has issued a warning that the UK might be at risk of further flooding this winter. This is because many of the UK rivers are full and much of the ground saturated after the wettest April to June on record. It is predicted that the south west, west, north and Wales will be particularly at risk.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20171078