Graduates want retirement limits scrapped
Compulsory retirement ages should be scrapped and employees able to chose when to retire, according to a survey published today by the Association of Graduate Recruiters and the Employers Forum on Age. The survey of 600 recent graduates also found a majority thought it legitimate to discriminate against older people working with young customers in fashion shops; but a minority agreed that only older workers should be allowed to sell financial products to the over-50s.
Civil engineers unveil novel climate change forecast
A new way of predicting the impact of climate change on Britain's coastline comes under the spotlight today. Senior engineers at an Institution of Civil Engineers conference in London today will hear how a team researching the shoreline at Walton on the Naze, Essex, has developed the new model, named cliffSCAPE. It will allow engineers more accurately to predict, and to manage, cliff recession.
Multi-million pound bioenergy scheme hots up
Energy minister Brian Wilson launches a multi-million pound support scheme today to help harness the power of fast-growing energy crops. The £66 million package will support the establishment of up to six electricity power stations to burn straw, willow or elephant grass, as well as up to 100 smaller power and heat plants. The Bioenergy Capital Grants Scheme, which is jointly funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and New Opportunities Fund, is expected to attract around £200 million of private-sector investment.
National museums enjoy 75% visitor surge
Admissions to national museums have increased 75 per cent after the introduction of free entry, it was disclosed at Westminster last night. Tourism minister Kim Howells said the policy had allowed an extra 1.7 million to enjoy the nation's "priceless collections".