Britain is suddenly looking less attractive to potential migrants looking for a job. Unemployment is rising and the falling value of the pound means they have less money to send home even if they do find work.

Retail experts reacted with incredulity yesterday to shopping sales figures that showed a rise in spending, despite all other evidence pointing to a downturn for the sector amid a squeeze on household budgets.

Campaigners yesterday urged ministers to intervene over soaring household fuel bills after two more energy suppliers announced rises in gas and electricity prices, affecting millions of customers.

Developing countries and human rights groups will clash today at a key UN climate change meeting intended to arrest the destruction of tropical forests. The felling is responsible for almost 20% of annual global carbon emissions, making it a crucial target in the battle against global warming.

The main City watchdog yesterday handed out fines of more than £175,000 to five car dealers found guilty of mis-selling payment-protection insurance policies.

Twelve million households struggling to balance bills in the credit crunch will have to find an extra £250 a year for gas and electricity after the energy giants E.ON and Scottish & Southern announced inflation-busting rises.

The Housing Corporation has funded a pilot scheme designed to help create a national best-practice programme to tackle worklessness.

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