News In Brief
== Heinz averts strike==
A strike involving 800 workers at Heinz's Wigan factory has been called off after talks with the Transport and General Workers' Union led to the company making a new pay offer.
The employees, who were due to strike on October 19, accepted a two-year deal. There is an increase of 4.25% in the first year from May 1, 2005 and a second year increase of 3.75% or the retail price index plus 0.5%, whichever is greater.
Multiple muzzle?
The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) has called on the government to rethink planning laws, review competition policy and create a community csar in a bid to preserve local shops and restrain the "uncontrolled expansion" of multiple supermarkets.
FRN national president Mahendra Jadeja said 25% of all independent grocery stores had been lost.
AA for warehouses
An audit scheme has been launched to provide users of warehousing services with a guarantee of professional competency. The Annual Audit (AA) has been devised by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA).
UKWA's 650-plus members will each conduct an annual self audit and submit a report. Compliance will be acknowledged by use of the AA logo and posted on the UKWA website.
Slugging it out
The Food Standards Agency's character Sid the slug has helped it win the prize for most innovative public sector campaign awarded by PR Week magazine.
The campaign was launched in 2004 to raise awareness of the key issues relating to salt consumption. Phase two is being rolled out in women's magazines, on television and with posters, encouraging people to check salt levels and eat no more than six grams daily.
Sick chick
Waitrose has recalled seven chicken products because of a salmonella scare.
The chain said the recall was a precautionary measure after routine tests showed the possible presence of bacteria in a 200g pack of Waitrose Roast Chicken Sweet Chilli Mini Fillets.
