Austerity News

London - Members of Parliament in the UK are set for a bumper 11 percent pay rise. Releasing this news in the same week Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement will be a slap in the face for Brits feeling the financial pinch.

Zero hours contracts have been in the news a lot recently. Next week there is a public meeting in London to lobby against them.

London - We may be living in an era of austerity, but as most people have long realised, the same rules do not apply across the board.

Durham - The actor and activist Ricky Tomlinson joined the Independent journalist Owen Jones in addressing the 123rd Durham Miners’ Gala.

Athens - Greek labour unions will be holding their third general strike this year as government in Athens debates the possibility of thousands of civil-service job cuts.

Public sector unions have called a one day general strike in Portugal this Thursday to protest against the government's draconian austerity measures and its further plans to reduce pay and lengthen working hours in the public services.

Belcoo - Belcoo in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is the host city for officials from the wealthy G8 nations. To hide the fact that the town has been hit badly by the current austerity, shops have been painted over to look like they are thriving businesses.

Madrid - Friday saw hundreds of Spanish scientists along with their supporters, marching through the streets of Madrid, as well as 18 other cities including Barcelona and Seville.

The British Government claims it is seeking to transform Legal Aid. Many lawyers believe this is about saving money at the expense of justice.

There has been a huge increase in the demand for food banks in the UK, but the privileged few are continuing to dine well while the taxpayer picks up the tab.