Royal Dutch Shell also reported declines in their fourth quarter profits, and blamed lighter European demand, lower natural gas production (Exxon) along with a high demand for equipment and skilled workers and the difficulties involved in tapping reserves in politically unstable regions (Shell).

FORBES: BP Loses Steam

Some healthcare workers, who look after people with learning difficulties in Lincolnshire, have gone on strike over a pay dispute.

BBC: Thera care workers protest at Grantham headquarters

China Daily says many businesses in the south and east coast are having difficulties recruiting enough migrant workers after the lunar new year holidays last week.

BBC: China media: Hacking dismissed

Unfortunately, this does absolutely nothing to address the real problem nationally negotiated settlements which over-reward in some parts of the country where the cost-of-living is low and the supply of workers plentiful, while failing to address the low disposable income and difficulties of recruiting in London and the South East that are also fuelling public-sector union militancy.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

The dispute was started by more than 200 postal workers at the city's Tomb Street depot following difficulties between staff and management over disciplinary procedures and other issues in the north Belfast section.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Union offer to restart mail talks