Gonna be more lost jobs and pensions in the UK. Thousands more. Councils (borough, district and county), even those not directly affected by lost Iceland savings, are slashing jobs and outsourcing staff and services to "independent partners." Why? Because they have to keep taxes down, yet still provide statutory services with less money.

I know it sounds awful and I am as green as the next person, but the Uk governement could provide a little relief to County Councils by offering a temporary amnesty or reduction on the fines for waste disposal.
Councils might think about downsizing the upper echalon where big salaries and pension payments go. Evey organisation is top heavy with directors, heads and managers. And these people, in order to appear indespensible, create silly, fluffy initiatives without ever doing risk management exercises. instead, they are still hiring fat cats and shifting friends up into higher posts as quick as they can. Really is disgusting.

Sorry.. I better stop.. My personal (or personnel) hell here.

Skarpi - my good wishes for you and for those most deserving in your lovely country. And for us all I hope things get better soon.

tamara