Tuesday, 18 June 2019 1:19 PM Blasphemy will be abolished in Greece from 1 July 2019 under changes to the country’s criminal code, in a huge step forward for the global campaign to end harsh blasphemy laws. According to the Humanist Union of Greece - a member of Humanists International - the crime of blasphemy will be dropped from the country’s Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedures from 1 July 2019. The news was welcomed by the Humanist Union of Greece after it was published on a Greek news site. Humanists UK, which co-founded the End Blasphemy Laws campaign to abolish blasphemy laws worldwide, described it as a ‘long overdue’ move in protecting freedom of expression in the country, adding that Greece was now the eighth country to have repealed its blasphemy laws since the campaign began. Greece’s blasphemy law is among the most restrictive in Europe, and has actively been used to prosecute people for often satirical posts deemed to … [Read more...] about Blasphemy to be abolished in Greece under new criminal code
Abolish
Easy-going Adnams boss would like to see job titles abolished
PUBLISHED: 16:52 13 June 2019 | UPDATED: 16:52 13 June 2019 Sarah Chambers Andy Wood, chief executive, at The Swan, Adnams, Southwold. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood Jamie Honeywood Archant Norwich Norfolk If he had his way, brewery and pubs boss Andy Wood would consign job titles to the dustbin. The Swan, Adnams, Southwold. PICTURE: Jamie HoneywoodAndy has been a director of Southwold brewery and pubs firm Adnams for 19 years, becoming its managing director in 2006 and its chief executive in 2010.One of the hallmarks of the family-owned business has been its forward-thinking approach, and its ability to innovate and attract new generations to its products as habits and outlooks change.A key to this is its staff, says Andy, who is a strong believer in a 'flat' organisational structure which encourages new thinking to come from within."If I could win all the arguments in the business, I would abolish job titles. That's one symbol of hierarchy that really gets in … [Read more...] about Easy-going Adnams boss would like to see job titles abolished
Activation model will be abolished, confirms Pekonen
The five parties agreed in the government programme to scrap the obligations and benefit cuts set forth in the activation model until they have identified measures with a comparable impact on the employment situation in Finland. “The activation model will be abolished,” Pekonen confirmed on Twitter on Monday. “Many have asked the question, and I want to answer it clearly. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is already preparing to dissolve the model, and the amendment will be pushed through as quickly as possible while taking into consideration good legislative practice and the needs of [the Social Insurance Institution of Finland] Kela.” The publication of the government programme has generated discussion about the employment impact of the model and, especially, whether it can be verified. The VATT Institute for Economic Research in May estimated that it remains premature to evaluate the employment impact of the model, which was adopted in January … [Read more...] about Activation model will be abolished, confirms Pekonen
Abolish or reform: What should happen to the House of Lords?
A recent investigation found that dozens of lords and baronesses are failing to speak or engage in a debate in the House of Lords, despite claiming thousands of pounds in allowances and expenses. Critics of the second chamber argue that it is time to abolish the House of Lords, calling it "broken, morally corrupt, and anti-democratic". However, the Lords Speaker admits it needs reform - but says it still plays an important role in scrutinising the government, reports Perspecs. The Claim Owen Jones says that the "broken" House of Lords does not need reform - he argues that the "anti-democratic institution" needs scrapping instead. In an article for the Guardian, he notes that it is "stuffed full" of lobbyists, party donors, ex-party staffers, and well-connected business people. He argues: "Even if you believe in granting unelected figures political power, the Lords is not brimming with specialists and experts who would never have found their way on to the green benches of the House … [Read more...] about Abolish or reform: What should happen to the House of Lords?
Controversial no-fault evictions to be abolished
Last month, the Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, announced plans to abolish Section 21 - the controversial notices otherwise known as no-fault evictions. If all goes to plan, this will be the biggest change in legislation that the private rental sector has seen for decades, bringing peace of mind to the millions of families living in rented accommodation. Jonathan Davidson, solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, based at their city centre office in Walker House, Exchange Flags comments: “This has to be a positive move forward for tenant security. It will help reiterate the fact that properties are more than bricks and mortar but rather homes where people are meant to feel safe and secure. “While this is extremely encouraging, we must wait to see what will fill the gap. We need to ensure that tenants are supported and enabled through this new protective legislation. “We have supported numerous tenants who have been faced with eviction under this legislation … [Read more...] about Controversial no-fault evictions to be abolished