Christmas strike

AMICUS members working at Birmingham International Airport voted 2:1 in favour of strike action leading up to and over the Christmas period.

Birmingham International Airport now faces the second strike over the Christmas period in a row as staff prepare for strike action over the sacking of two members of staff.

The trade union, which represents more than 200 members of staff at the airport, said three allegations made against the two men suspended are without foundation. The union is demanding their immediate reinstatement.

Fuel charge cut

SIR Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic announced it was reducing its fuel surcharge by £5 after the fall in world oil prices.

From today, the new Virgin surcharge for all tickets sold in the UK will go down from £30 per one-way flight to £25.

A Virgin spokesman said: "The decision has been taken in light of the recent decrease in the price of oil and we felt it only fair to pass it on to our passengers."

Cranberries fly

SALES of foods used as natural remedies have soared since the launch of a report on alternative medicine was commissioned by the Prince of Wales, a supermarket said.

Fresh cranberries and pomegranates have sold in "record volumes" following the study, according to Sainsbury's. Cranberries, which can tackle cystitis, have seen a 67 per cent sales boost, it said.