Proportion of home-owning Britons falls to 30-year low

Summary: 

Proportion of home-owning Britons falls to 30-year low 

 

The proportion of people who own their own homes has slumped to its lowest level since the mid-80s, with getting a foot on the property ladder now an increasingly difficult proposition for households across Britain. High house prices, the limited availability of mortgages and declining wage growth have all conspired to make it tougher for first-time buyers to own a home of their own. The ONS report said: "The rapid increase in the number of households privately renting could be linked to the decline in the number of households getting on the housing ladder, usually through a mortgage.

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Personal opinion:

As I am trying to get a house of my own, I understand the frustration that all these Britons must be going through. It really isn't any easier to get a house in the Netherlands. The ridiculous prices make it almost impossible to buy a house for a first time buyer like myself, and due to those prices being so high the amount of people looking to pay rent instead rises tremendously which in turn also causes the rent prices to go up. It's a vicious cycle. This costs the taxpayer too as the housing benefit bill continues to rise because hundreds of thousands of more working people need help paying their rent.

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Source: Liam O'Brien (19 April 2013). The Independent. Proportion of homeowning Britons falls to 30 year low.  Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/property/proportion-of-homeowning-britons-falls-to-30year-low-8580708.html

 

UK sends support for Chinese earthquake victims

Summary:

UK sends support for Chinese earthquake victims

 British aid workers are sending life-saving supplies to those affected by the earthquake that has hit south west China, killing more than 150 people. The 6.6-magnitude tremor left villages close to the epicentre in ruins. The earthquake struck the steep hills of Lushan county at 08:02 local time (00:02 GMT), triggering landslides and leaving thousands of homes destroyed. More than 90,000 people were killed when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the region in May 2008. World Vision said it then helped an estimated 2.2 million people rebuild their lives. Let's hope they can help enough people this time as well.


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Personal opinion:

The UK has always been a very dependable nation when providing support around the globe. And by support I mean things like aiding the war effort, providing healthcare and numerous other activities. It's always great to see that even in times of financial crisis all over the world, we still help those that need support the most. The magnitude of these earthquakes is life-shattering and we should always do all we can to aid those that get hit by these terrible catastrophes. There's absolutely nothing you can do to prepare yourself for these kind of disasters, so the best thing you can do is pray for help and hope others come to your aid when you need it.


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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22234745

Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead

Summary:


Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead

 
A police officer who had been arrested has been found dead in woods, his force said today.

West Yorkshire Police said the officer, 33, reported to be a father of two, was found in woodland in Lofthouse on Thursday lunchtime. He had been arrested the day before "in relation to alleged criminal offences". They said there were no suspicious circumstances and an inquest would open soon. The force did not name the dead officer, or specify the allegation he faced.The matter has been forwarded to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, to figure out exactly what went down and to find out if there are any signs of foul play or suicide.


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Personal opinion:


I actually heard about this case before and I sincerely hope they figure out what exactly caused this man's early demise. In many of these cases the guilt eats away at a man (or woman) and it becomes so unbearable that the only way to make the voices in their head stop talking is to die. Suicide is often a quick and easy answer for many of these accused peole. While he was accused, I believe in 'innocent until proven guilty', especially when it comes to police officers. Men and women who have taken an oath to serve and protect. 


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Source: Tom Wilkinson (20 April 2013). The Independent. Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead. Retrieved from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/arrested-west-yorkshire-police-officer-found-dead-8581196.html

London taxi firm Addison Lee sold for £300m

Summary: 

London taxi firm sold for £300m

A taxi firm which started in London in the 1970s with one car has been sold for £300m to a private equity firm. Addison Lee, which started in 1975 in south London and now has 4,500 cars, has been bought by the Carlyle Group. Founder John Griffin will remain chairman of the company and his son Liam will be chief executive. Mr Griffin entered the trade after he gave up his accountancy apprenticeship to help his father. In a statement, Carlyle said: "The focus for Carlyle's investment in Addison Lee will be to drive business expansion both in the UK and internationally."


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Personal opinion:

It's always nice to see a company/business that has had such a humble beginning do well in the end. I never realized that most of the taxi's driving around in the UK were Addison Lee taxi's. I suppose they will be throwing a nice retirement party and enjoying the rest of their days spending their well earned money. I'm glad they are staying on as chairman and chief executive though. Too often companies get sold off and never hear from their former owners again which ultimately results in a failed enterprise because the former owners knew so much that their knowledge would have been vital.

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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22230868

Minimum Wage Scandals

Summary:


Minimum Wage Scandals


Companies are routinely resorting to cynical dodges to avoid paying staff the national minimum wage, forcing the Government finally to act against abuses of the system.The Low Pay Commission, which recommends minimum wage levels, estimates that more than 100,000 adults receive below the legal rates – and the actual figure is probably considerably higher because of under-reporting of the problem.The minimum wage was introduced by the Blair government in 1999 at an initial hourly rate of £3.60 in the face of warnings from the Conservatives and business chiefs that it would lead to job losses. After he became Tory leader, David Cameron acknowledged the policy had been a success.


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Personal opinion:

It is sad in this day and age we are still scamming our employees and trying to save money where we really shouldn't be saving money. I understand that we're all in a financial crisis and we need to make do with what we have, but please, for the love of God don't abuse your employees to make ends meet. That's the last thing that you want to do and definitely the last thing your employees should ever find out if you are doing that. They will just flock to another company that does give them what they deserve. Treat your employees right please.


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Source: Nigel Morris, Oscar Quine (19 April 2013). The Independent. Scandal of firms that dodge paying the minimum wage. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scandal-of-firms-that-dodge-paying-the-minimum-wage-8580941.html

Visiting Museums on your phone

Summary:

Visiting museums through apps


Did you ever wonder about certain historical events, and would like to visit museums but just can't find the time? The British Museum is launching applications on Apple and Android devices which are designed to give users a virtual tour of the exhibition, with all kinds of multimedia add-ons. It's part of a trend which sees cultural organisations using digital technology to reach new audiences.
Tim Plyming, head of digital at the British Museum, says the app fits fits into an overall strategy "to increase access and deliver content to a very wide audience both nationally and internationally".



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Personal opinion:


This is what I love about current technology, and the future capabilities. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I'd be able to visit museums on my phone I'd have laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it. It just goes to show what technological advancements we've made in just a few years. I always look forward to what is in store for us next. I guess nothing beats actually visiting a location physically, but this is an incredible option that is available for the people that don't have the time or money to actually go. 


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Source: Rory Cellan-Jones BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22203498

Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers

Summary:

London Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers


As a precaution for the upcoming London Marathon this Sunday, experts have warned the marathon runners about using painkillers just before or during the marathon. Using painkillers before running a marathon could cause serious side effects, experts have warned. Researchers found that runners who used painkillers had a 13 per cent increased risk of "adverse events" including pain, muscle cramps and intestinal cramps. The authors said painkillers block enzymes called cyclooxygenases, which regulate the production of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances which play a role in the the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue.


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Personal opinion:


I'm going to be watching the live stream coverage of the London marathon myself and I am incredibly glad doctors and other medical experts have brought this to the attention of the marathon runners. The last thing you need in a marathon is runners dropping like flies due to something as simple as taking a painkiller. I've run a marathon myself (NY), but was never warned about this. Luckily I didn't take any painkillers then, but I can imagine that at least some people did. These kind or warnings should be mandatory before any kind of major sports event or it should be as available as a general medical guideline somewhere.

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Source: Ella Pickover (19 April 2013). The Independent. Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers after study shows increase in cramps and other side effects. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/marathon-runners-warned-not-to-use-painkillers-after-study-shows-increase-in-cramps-and-other-side-effects-8581161.html