Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree forbidding state-controlled firms from giving information to foreign authorities without permission from Moscow. The move comes just days after the European Commission said it would investigate whether Russian energy giant Gazprom restricts the free flow of gas across member states, prevents diversification of supply and prices gas unfairly. While sending a forceful message, the legal changes are unlikely to have an immediate impact on the EU investigation or its ability to obtain the information it requires; the investigators have already collected a great deal of material and have access to all Gazprom’s partners and competitors in Europe. (BBC News, Financial Times*)
South Africa miners blockade Anglo American Platinum mine
Labour unrest sweeping across South Africa's platinum sector has hit Anglo American Platinum, with striking miners blockading roads leading to shafts belonging to the world's top producer, regional police said. This is whilst African National Congress (ANC) rebels are calling for a national mine strike in South Africa, stirring fear of an escalation in the labour unrest already buffeting the platinum and gold industries in the continent's largest economy. (The Guardian, Reuters)
Policy & Research
Rising number of top firms believe climate change is threat to business
Major companies are increasingly concerned that they are at risk from climate change in the face of recent extreme weather events such as drought and floods, according to the latest annual Carbon Disclosure Project ‘Global 500’ report. Over 400 companies responded and four-fifths (81%) identify climate change risks to their business operations, supply chains and plans, up from 71% last year. The report also revealed 96% of responding companies now have a board level executive with specific responsibility for climate change strategy. However, Malcolm Preston, global lead for sustainability and climate change at PwC, co-authors of the report, warns that "even with progress year on year, the reality is the level of corporate and national ambition on emissions reduction is nowhere near what is required". (The Guardian, Business Green)
Rise in hospital admissions for stress is blamed on the recession
Almost 6,400 people were hospitalised with stress in the UK in the 12 months to May 2012, 47% up on 2007-8 when the economic crisis hit, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HCIS). The HCIS figures do not include the millions who visit their own doctors, emergency departments or alternative practitioners for stress. Stress is the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK, affecting one in five of the working population and racking up 105 million days lost each year, according to the UK Health and Safety Executive. This is whilst the Financial Times states in an opinion piece that companies need to be more open about mental health, line managers should ensure people get help and after ease re-entry after an absence. (The Independent; Financial Times*)
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