http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Wed, 23 May 2012 05:43:37 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom?WT.mc_id=rss-news http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/nidirect-logo.gif http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-report-any-changes-to-rate-of-your-occupational-pension?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-report-any-changes-to-rate-of-your-occupational-pension Do you receive a Social Security benefit and also receive an occupational pension? If you do, you must notify the office that pays your benefit about any changes in the rate of your occupational pension. Occupational pension schemes are set up by employers to provide pensions for employees and their dependants. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:11 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-advanced-stop-lines-at-traffic-lights-aim-to-help-cyclists?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-advanced-stop-lines-at-traffic-lights-aim-to-help-cyclists At some traffic lights, you may have noticed 'green' areas. These are ‘advanced stop lines’ for cyclists. Their aim is to increase safety for cyclists as they move up to the front of the queue when signals are red and make them more clearly visible to drivers. These advanced stop lines also help cyclists move into cleaner air away from exhaust fumes. Motorists who encroach into these green ‘boxes’ could face penalties. Tue, 22 May 2012 09:57:18 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-family-fun-day-at-stormont?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-family-fun-day-at-stormont Families looking for a day out on Bank Holiday Monday (4 June) should join Pudsey Bear in the Stormont Estate, Belfast. This year’s Family Fun Day, in support of BBC Children in Need, promises a wealth of activities from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for all ages. The majority of activities are either free of charge or request only a small donation. Mon, 21 May 2012 12:58:07 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-step-forward-during-walk-to-school-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-step-forward-during-walk-to-school-week It’s Walk to School Week (21-25 May). The theme for this year’s event is ‘Step Forward in Time’ and it aims to encourage more people to consider the health, financial, social and environmental benefits of walking. Schools across Northern Ireland are taking part in the event. Why not find out more about playing a part in getting children to walk to school? Mon, 21 May 2012 09:22:30 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-apprentice-of-the-year-winner-announced?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-apprentice-of-the-year-winner-announced A young Lisburn apprentice has been crowned Northern Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year for 2012. Conor Crossey, 22, (pictured) received his award at ceremony in Belfast. He started his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship at Bombardier Aerospace three years ago. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:02:31 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (14-20 May), the Public Health Agency is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement with those closest to them. This year’s theme is ‘Small Actions, Big Difference’. Taking simple steps can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:11:20 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-increasing-awareness-of-coeliac-disease?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-increasing-awareness-of-coeliac-disease It’s Coeliac Awareness Week (14-20 May). Coeliac disease is also called gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Many people with coeliac disease don't realise they have it. It's an auto-immune disease, which means the body's immune system attacks itself if gluten is eaten. Gluten is found in many foods. There are a range of gluten free recipes on nidirect. Fri, 18 May 2012 09:37:16 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-motorcyclists-urged-to-bike-safely?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-motorcyclists-urged-to-bike-safely As the North West 200 races begin, motorcyclists and drivers are being urged to do more to reduce the number of motorcyclist casualties on our roads. Bikers have a responsibility to ride their bikes in a proper and safe manner, so please bike safely. Motorists are also being asked to give extra consideration to motorcyclists. Remember: speed kills and wrecks lives. Thu, 17 May 2012 10:05:19 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-help-nature-conservation-at-free-event?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-help-nature-conservation-at-free-event Would you like to play your part in helping conservation, while having some fun too? A BioBlitz event is taking place at Crawfordsburn Country Park from 5.00 pm on Friday 17 May until 5.00 pm on Saturday 19 May. It is open to everyone, and it’s absolutely free. Thu, 17 May 2012 11:33:10 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-reduce-the-risk-of-getting-cancer?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-reduce-the-risk-of-getting-cancer It’s Cancer Prevention Week (14-18 May). One third of cancers are preventable and there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting cancer. Also, if cancer is diagnosed early, you are more likely to survive. It is therefore important to be aware of warning signs which need to be investigated to ensure speedy diagnosis. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:51:50 GMT