Axe to fall on public service Wednesday, say unions The axe hovering over the head of Canada’s public service is expected to begin falling Wednesday when thousands of public servants will receive notice their positions with the federal government are being eliminated. Unions representing government employees say the workforce-adjustment notices have begun “pouring in” from … Continue reading
Canadians appear to be in an austerity state of mind, according to a new poll, which found that a vast majority of respondents would approve deep spending cuts by the federal government as it tries to squeeze $4 billion in annual savings out of its budget. The Nanos Research survey asked respondents “what should be … Continue reading
Dublin has unveiled far-reaching plans to cut dole queues by targeting those at risk of long-term unemployment, introducing penalties for people who do not take up training, and inviting the private sector to provide job placements. The plan copies several ideas already in place in the U.K., France and Australia, including immediate on-the-spot assessments for … Continue reading
Italy’s central bank chief on Saturday predicted that the eurozone’s third-largest economy will see a return to growth next year, but he confirmed forecasts that 2012 will be a “year of recession.” Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco also described Italian banks as being sound in terms of having adequate capital, but cautioned that the … Continue reading