In the News...

GOODFELLAS RELAUNCH

Northern Foods, which makes Goodfella's pizza, says it hopes a £5m ($7.2m) brand relaunch will lift profits.

Northern, which holds either number one or two position in many of the UK's prepared food markets, also makes Fox's biscuits, as well as ready meals.

Its Fox's biscuit campaign, which features a panda called Vinnie, has helped to push that brand into second place in the country.

Northern says the new pizza campaign will initially raise its costs.

The company added, however, that it was important to continue investing in key brands through what it called "uncertain economic times".


WORLD CUP SPONSORS UNHEALTHY?

FIFA has scored an "own goal" by agreeing sponsorship deals for the 2010 World Cup with companies that sell unhealthy products, campaigners say.

The World Cancer Research Fund criticised the governing body for partnering with the likes of Coca Cola, McDonald's and Budweiser.

It said the tournament should be an opportunity to promote active lifestyles.

Advertisers denied the deals would negatively impact children's diets.

The three companies are partners or official sponsors for the World Cup giving them a visible presence inside the stadiums on advertising hoardings and digital displays.


JOB VACANCIES RISE IN THE UK

The number of job vacancies across the UK rose slightly last month, but the pay on offer fell, a report has said.

Employment agency Reed said 1% more jobs were offered by firms through its service in May compared with April.

At the same time, it said the average wage available declined by 4.2% to £31,800 in May, from £33,200 in April.

Job demand rose most in the charity and voluntary sectors, followed by marketing, public relations, legal and secretarial.

Reed said about 90,000 jobs were offered though it in total last month.


EUROZONE UNEMPLOYMENT RISING

Unemployment in the eurozone rose again in April to a fresh all-time high, figures from Europe's statistics office have shown.

Eurostat said unemployment in the 16 nations that use the euro now totals 15.86 million - equivalent to 10.1% of the population.

Spain, Ireland and Slovakia recorded the highest rates of joblessness, with the Spanish rate now close to 20%.

Meanwhile, the euro has hit a four-year low against the dollar.

It was trading as low as $1.2111 at one stage, and was also down to a one-year low against the pound, with one pound buying 1.1935 euros.