People working in the public sector are more gloomy about their prospects under the new Government than their opposite numbers in business, according to new figures. The study by TNS Finance highlights public sector workers’ attitudes towards the coalition and perceptions of the impact it will have on personal finance and lifestyle.

The figures come in the wake of revelations about the salary levels of senior civil servants and while the debate around public sector pay seems certain to continue at least into the foreseeable future. The survey found just over half of public sector workers believed their situation was likely to get worse because of the budget deficit and spending cuts while only 40 per cent of private sector staff were as pessimistic.

Read more on PUBLIC SECTOR STAFF PESSIMISTIC ABOUT PROSPECTS UNDER NEW GOVERNMENT…

A new report from Ofsted has found that many teachers are unsure about what they are trying to achieve in Religious Education lessons. Inspectors reported that in many of the schools they visited RE was no better than satisfactory and in some cases was inadequate.

Read more on OFSTED CALLS FOR RETHINK ON LOCAL OVERSIGHT OF RE…

Figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions show that in 2008/09 there was a slight fall in child and pensioner poverty, but a rise in the number of working age adults in poverty. The proxy for the poverty line is set at those living at or below 60 per cent of median income.

Read more on MODEST GAINS IN POVERTY REDUCTION…