From 12th October 2009, new measures will be introduced to help prevent unsuitable people from undertaking paid or voluntary work with children or vulnerable adults. The new Scheme is called the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) and all new employees will be able to start to register for the Scheme from July 2010 before it becomes compulsory in November 2010.

There is currently understandable anxiety among parents about the health of their children with the well-reported global increase in the transmission of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as ‘swine flu.’ But English Language Teaching (ELT) providers are operating as normal.

The Business Advisory Network for ‘flu, which has been established by the Cabinet Office and the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, gave a briefing to Government departments, agencies and key businesses on Tuesday of this week.

The Business Advisory Network for ‘flu, which has been established by the Cabinet Office and the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, gave a briefing to Government departments, agencies and key businesses on Tuesday of this week

VisitBritain, on behalf of TIER (Tourism Industry Emergency Reaction Group), is conducting a survey for businesses to monitor the impact of swine flu on UK tourism.

English UK members can contribute their observations until 26^th July and the top-line findings will be available at the end of the month. Here is the link http://www.tourismtrade.org.uk/swineflu/

The questionnaire results will be used to inform TIER regarding appropriate messaging and response measures. Anything you say will be treated as confidential.