VisitBritain has released a reactive statement regarding swine 'flu. Please click on "more" below to download the statement. You can also read a short update from the recent TIER meeting held last Friday.

From 12th October 2009, new measures will be introduced to help prevent unsuitable people from undertaking paid or voluntary work with children or vulnerable adults.

For those who were not able to attend the UKBA’s recent Sponsor Events, please click on "read more" below to download a copy of the presentation slides and other documents handed out to attendees.

VisitBritain has released a reactive statement regarding swine 'flu. Please click on "more" below to download the statement. A TIER (Tourism Emergency Response Group) meeting has also been convened for Friday 24th July and members are encouraged to provide feedback on any cancellations directly due to swine flu fears to Tony Millns.

More needs to be done to prevent bogus colleges from continuing to operate, and to deport former students who used them to enter the UK illegally, according to a new report by a Parliamentary committee.

There is currently understandable anxiety among parents about the health of their children with the well-reported global increase in the transmission of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as ‘swine flu.’ But English Language Teaching (ELT) providers are operating as normal.

The Business Advisory Network for ‘flu, which has been established by the Cabinet Office and the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, gave a briefing to Government departments, agencies and key businesses on Tuesday of this week.

VisitBritain, on behalf of TIER (Tourism Industry Emergency Reaction Group), is conducting a survey for businesses to monitor the impact of swine flu on UK tourism.

English UK members can contribute their observations until 26^th July and the top-line findings will be available at the end of the month. Here is the link http://www.tourismtrade.org.uk/swineflu/

The questionnaire results will be used to inform TIER regarding appropriate messaging and response measures. Anything you say will be treated as confidential.

A new online English language test, Password Intro, will be launched at the British Library on 6 August 2009. English Language Testing (the developers of Password Intro and Password) are looking for some additional language schools to help item pilot questions.

We would like to remind you about the São Paulo Fair – the second event to be organised this year by the English Language Promotions Group (British Council, English UK, UK Trade & Investment and VisitBritain).