News in Brief

Unions representing Ford car workers have lodged a claim for a "substantial" pay rise and a two-hour cut in the working week. Leaders of several unions are also pressing for a jobs security agreement as part of a seven-point claim, with the car giant due to respond next month. Tony Woodley, chief negotiator for the Transport and General Workers Union, said Ford workers' pay had slipped behind employees at other car companies by as much as 11%, despite "massive improvements" in productivity. "Ford was once the industry leader on pay and hours, but has now slipped considerably so we expect this to be redressed," he said. Ford, which employs almost 30,000 workers at 21 sites, will consider the claim before responding early in October.

A charity which helps victims of domestic violence is demanding legislation to prevent access between aggressive partners and their families, unless there are proper safeguards. A survey by the Women's Aid Federation found that many women and children seeking shelter in refuges, continue to be abused or threatened.

British Airways have claimed that "significant progress" has been made in talks aimed at averting further strikes even though a final deal is yet to be reached after seven weeks of negotiations. Chief executive Bob Ayling said the airline was "totally committed" to continuing talks with the Transport and General Workers Union to reach a settlement. The union has tabled its proposals for achieving £42 million worth of savings in the cabin crew operation. "Both sides are agreed that these savings and the pay restructuring for cabin crew are vital to ensure the airline remains at the forefront of a fiercely competitive global industry," said a BA spokesman. A union spokesman said the talks were continuing.