http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:00:36 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-feb12-proni-hosting-charles-dickens-evening?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-proni-hosting-charles-dickens-evening The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) is hosting an evening of Victorian Times, including music and readings from the works of Charles Dickens. The event at the PRONI building in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast on Thursday 1 March is free. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:45:17 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-advice-on-dealing-with-doorstep-callers?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-advice-on-dealing-with-doorstep-callers It is important to be vigilant and prepared for bogus doorstep callers. These ‘cold callers’ could be selling goods, services or offering to do home improvements. While it might be tempting to agree to attractive prices being offered on the doorstep, you should think twice. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:44:33 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-changes-to-workplace-pensions?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-changes-to-workplace-pensions Starting from October 2012, all employers will enrol workers into a workplace pension, if they meet the criteria below. When you pay into your pension, your employer and the government will contribute too. Find out how this affects you, when this will happen and the benefits. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:09:36 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-compulsory-training-for-learner-motorcyclists?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-compulsory-training-for-learner-motorcyclists All learner moped and motorcycle riders must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before they can ride unaccompanied on public roads. Only registered Approved Motorcycle Instructors (AMI) will be allowed to conduct these training courses. It is intended that this new training scheme will improve safety for all road users. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:48:34 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-dont-keep-mental-health-worries-under-the-surface?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-dont-keep-mental-health-worries-under-the-surface Do you know the early warning signs that could indicate a mental health issue? Being able to recognise those signs is the first step towards seeking help. It is important to act on the signs and symptoms of poor mental health. A campaign called ‘Under the Surface’ aims to help people identify if something is wrong. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:26:55 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-joining-organ-donor-register-could-save-lives?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-joining-organ-donor-register-could-save-lives There is a shortage of available organs in the UK. Just over one in four adults in Northern Ireland are registered as potential organ donors. One donor can help up to nine different people. Have you considered signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR)? You can join online. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:16:54 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-advice-on-making-your-home-more-secure?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-advice-on-making-your-home-more-secure Research shows that burglars are less likely to try and get into a secure home. They will, where possible, move on to a home that has fewer security precautions. You can assess how secure your home is from the possibility of burglary and use some of the simple steps suggested to make your home safer. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:06:05 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-over-60-check-that-youre-getting-the-right-benefits?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-over-60-check-that-youre-getting-the-right-benefits It is important that benefits are reaching those who are entitled and need them most. People who are over 60 and who may be eligible to receive additional benefits are encouraged to come forward and find out if they are missing out. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:20:45 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-jan12-pseudomonas-outbreak-latest-update?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-jan12-pseudomonas-outbreak-latest-update An update has been issued on the Pseudomonas outbreak at the neonatal unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Service. All necessary precautions are being taken to avoid the spread of infection. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:54:26 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-feb12-councils-set-district-rates?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-feb12-councils-set-district-rates All local councils in Northern Ireland have struck their district rates for the 2012/2013 financial year. This year the district rates show increases of between 0 per cent and 5.9 per cent, when compared with 2011/2012. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:46:05 GMT